Congress Divided on Response to Trump’s Tariff Threat

Quick Summary

• Congress leaders reacted to U.S.President Donald Trump’s comment on imposing higher tariffs over India’s purchase of Russian oil.
• Party communications chief Jairam Ramesh criticized the BJP, commenting on foreign policy being used for “image building.”
• Manish Tewari responded directly to President trump, expressing India’s resilience against tariff threats.
• Former Union Minister Anand Sharma called Trump’s comments “belittling and unacceptable,” emphasizing India’s capability as the fourth-largest economy to engage globally based on equality and mutual respect.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The varied reactions from congress leaders highlight internal discord but also underline concerns over international diplomacy shaping India’s economic policies.The comments suggest skepticism about whether recent diplomatic efforts were prioritizing long-term national interest or short-term public relations wins. Anand Sharma’s observation about global equality hints at reinforcing India’s position as a major economy capable of defending its interests against external pressures, particularly those involving trade and energy security. While rhetorical responses show confidence in India’s resilience, facing such challenges will demand both assertive diplomacy and robust internal economic strategies.

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