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Key Points

The Tamil Nadu BJP has strongly criticized President Trump's new 50% tariff on Indian exports. They praised PM Modi's diplomatic moves at the SCO summit in China as evidence of India's strategic independence. International figures including former US officials have condemned Trump's decision as isolating America. The party emphasized that India seeks cooperative relationships rather than confrontation in global affairs.

Key Points: TN BJP Slams Trump Tariffs Hails Modi Diplomacy

  • Trump's 50% tariff targets Indian textiles, jewellery and machinery exports
  • Tariffs retaliate for India's Russian oil purchases during Ukraine war
  • Modi's China SCO visit signals thaw with fertiliser and flight deals
  • Trump's exclusion from India-Pakistan mediation may have influenced tariff decision
2 min read

TN BJP slams Trump's tariff war, hails PM Modi's diplomatic moves

Tamil Nadu BJP criticizes Trump's 50% tariff on Indian exports, praises PM Modi's SCO diplomacy with China and Russia as global backlash grows.

"India is not abandoning the US, but asserting its right to an independent foreign policy - Tamil Nadu BJP"

Chennai, Sep 2

The Tamil Nadu BJP on Tuesday stated that US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports has undermined decades of cooperation between Washington and New Delhi, and has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s diplomatic moves.

In a statement issued by Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad, the party said Trump’s move, effective August 27, 2025, not only threatens key Indian industries such as textiles, jewellery, and machinery but also risks destabilising the global trade order.

The tariffs, justified by Trump as retaliation for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil during the Ukraine conflict, were described as a mix of “economic coercion and personal vendetta”.

Reports suggest Trump’s frustration at being excluded from mediating the India-Pakistan conflict earlier this year may have also influenced the decision.

Prasad noted that Trump’s policies have pushed India to diversify its global partnerships, bringing New Delhi closer to Beijing and Moscow.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China was highlighted as evidence of India’s pragmatic diplomacy. The visit, PM Modi’s first to China since 2018, saw agreements on fertiliser trade and plans to resume passenger flights, signalling a thaw in relations.

Russia has played a key role as mediator, strengthening the emerging Russia-India-China (RIC) framework. International criticism of Trump’s tariffs has been widespread. Former US officials, including John Kerry and John Bolton, warned that the decision could isolate the US and drive India further into the orbit of Russia and China.

Economist Jeffrey Sachs branded the move “the stupidest tactical error in US foreign policy,” while the country's courts have already questioned its legality.

By contrast, PM Modi’s approach was described as one of stability and respect. Over 11 years in office, the prime minister has expanded India’s influence through cooperative diplomacy, strengthening energy security, and advocating a multipolar Asia.

“India is not abandoning the US,” the statement said, “but asserting its right to an independent foreign policy”. The Tamil Nadu BJP leader said, “The world is watching,” and added, “It is clear that PM Modi’s vision of cooperation stands in sharp contrast to Trump’s confrontation”.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
These tariffs will hurt our textile industry workers the most. Many families depend on exports to the US. Hope the government provides some relief package for affected sectors 🙏
M
Michael C
As someone working in Indo-US trade, this is concerning. Trump's personal grudges shouldn't dictate international trade policies. India has every right to buy oil from wherever it gets the best deal.
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Aditya G
Finally our foreign policy is showing some spine! We shouldn't be dictated by any country. Modi's multipolar approach is exactly what India needs in today's world.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate India standing its ground, we must be careful about moving too close to China. Their track record with neighbors hasn't been exactly friendly. Strategic balance is key.
K
Karthik V
The timing of SCO agreements shows excellent diplomacy. When one door closes, another opens. This might actually benefit our economy in the long run by reducing dependency on any single market.

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