Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 8: Congress MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, Shashi Tharoor, has strongly criticised the 50% tariffs imposed on Indian goods by US President Donald Trump, calling the move "incredibly unfair" and urging India not to yield under pressure.
Speaking to NDTV, Tharoor asserted that while Trump’s rhetoric may be part of a broader negotiating strategy, the tone and substance of the US stance demand a serious rethink from India regarding its foreign policy assumptions.
"I'm afraid some of the language used was very belittling," he said. "But we must insist on our self-respect, which does not allow us to surrender in such a process."
Tharoor also highlighted double standards in the US policy, pointing out that both the European Union and China have received far more lenient terms despite importing significantly more oil and gas from Russia than India.
"China buys far more oil and gas from Russia... and yet they’ve been given a 90-day negotiating window, while we’ve been given just 21 days. From August 27, our goods will be subjected to 50% tariffs, while China faces only 30%," he noted.
Criticising what he described as US hypocrisy, Tharoor cited America’s own imports from Russia, including fertilisers and palladium used in catalytic converters.
"How can Mr Trump argue that India's money is fuelling Russia’s war in Ukraine, but his American dollars are not? That’s complete hypocrisy," he remarked.
Regarding the ongoing trade negotiations, Tharoor stated that opening Indian markets for luxury goods from the US would have negligible impact on the general population but cautioned against compromising key domestic sectors.
"We must rally behind our negotiators. While flexibility is a virtue, it has its limits. We can't buckle under pressure," he said.
"If that doesn't work, let us walk away with dignity intact. If we're being charged 50%, then let us say, 'Fine Mr Trump, we’ll also put 50% tariffs on your goods'," Tharoor concluded.