NEW DELHI – India is pushing back against escalating trade tensions with the United States, after Washington announced a 50% tariff hike on certain Indian goods. In his first public comments on the matter, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed not to compromise the interests of Indian farmers, “even if it comes at a heavy price.”
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs followed suit with a formal statement, calling the U.S. tariffs “unfair, unjust, and unreasonable.” The statement affirmed India’s intent to “take all necessary actions” to protect its national interests.
Sources indicate India has already made several concessions in an attempt to appease Washington, including foregoing tariffs on American industrial goods, a phased reduction of tariffs on automobiles and alcoholic beverages, and providing a streamlined regulatory pathway for Elon Musk’s Starlink to operate in the Indian market.
However, the Trump administration is reportedly demanding more, specifically access to India’s agricultural and dairy sectors. With agriculture and related industries employing over 45% of the Indian workforce, political analysts suggest Prime Minister Modi risks losing significant support from his rural base if he yields to these demands.
In a rather colorful display of opposition, an Indian National Congress party member, Deepender Hooda, recently suggested a more unconventional form of retaliation. Amidst an ongoing discussion about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of brokering a ceasefire in the May conflict between India and Pakistan, Hooda reportedly exclaimed, “Either shut Donald (Trump) up, or shut down McDonald’s in India!” eliciting varied reactions and opinions.
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