logo
Trump's tariff threats & jibes: India calls out US, EU hypocrisy in clear message, says ‘revealing that countries criticizing…'

Trump's tariff threats & jibes: India calls out US, EU hypocrisy in clear message, says ‘revealing that countries criticizing…'

Time of India2 days ago
After imposing a 25% tariff on India last week, Trump targeted Russia and India, calling them 'dead economies'. (AI image)
US President Donald Trump's 25% tariff, threats of higher duties, additional penalties, and jibes calling India a 'dead economy' don't appear to have gone down well with India. The Narendra Modi government is calling out the hypocrisy of the Western countries like the US and European Union on oil trade with Russia, and also asserting that India is a 'bright spot' in the global economic scenario.
After imposing a 25% tariff on India last week, Trump had targeted Russia and India, calling them 'dead economies'. Trump's pressure tactics on getting India to stop buying oil from Russia don't seem to be working as Russian crude continues to flow.
India is working on countering the impact of America's 25% tariff on Indian goods exported to the US. A Rs 20,000 crore plan is being readied by the government and there is a push to encourage homegrown brands.
Also Read |
Amidst Donald Trump's tariff threats, India plans big! Rs 20,000 crore project being readied for exporters; 'Brand India' to be promoted
Trump on Monday posted on Truth Social, 'India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!'
The foreign ministry was quick to respond with a 6-point rebuttal. From continuing to buy Russia oil, securing national interest to asserting India's growing economic clout and hitting out at the West for its double standards - here's a look at India's strategy:
India's clear message to US: Top 10 points
1) India's oil strategy beneficial for world:
The ministry of external affairs has said that while India has faced criticism from the United States and European Union regarding its Russian oil imports, its decision to source oil from Russia stemmed from the redirection of conventional supplies to Europe during the crisis.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
20 Legendary Cars from the Past
chillinghistory.com
Undo
The US actually supported India's imports at the time, viewing it as beneficial for stabilising global energy markets, the MEA statement said.
2) Why criticize India?
India has said that its procurement of energy resources aims to provide stable and cost-effective solutions for its citizens. These purchases are essential due to prevailing international market conditions. 'However, it is revealing that the very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia.
Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion,' India has hit out.
Also Read |
How India, China may not come to Trump's rescue to get Putin to stop Russia-Ukraine war
3) Europe's trade with Russia:
India was quick to point out that the European Union's trade relationship with Russia in 2024 included goods worth Euro 67.5 billion. The services trade was valued at Euro 17.2 billion in 2023. These figures are way more than India's overall trade with Russia during that period. European LNG imports notably peaked at 16.5mn tonnes in 2024, more than previous high of 15.21mn tonnes in 2022.
4) Europe imports several things from Russia:
India also said that the trade between Europe and Russia extends beyond energy resources, including diverse sectors such as fertilisers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel products, as well as machinery and transport equipment.
5) US trade with Russia:
India highlighted that the United States maintains its imports of various products from Russia, including uranium hexafluoride for nuclear facilities, palladium for electric vehicle production, along with fertilisers and chemical products.
Also Read |
Russia oil in focus: Tankers deliver millions of barrels of Russian crude to India; no impact of Trump, EU pressure yet
6) 'National interests' important:
The message was clear - given these circumstances, singling out India appears unwarranted and illogical. 'In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,' the MEA statement said.
7) No stop on Russia oil procurement:
India is continuing with its Russian crude oil imports despite mounting pressure from both the European Union and the Donald Trump administration.
The continuous flow of Russian oil shipments was evident as several tankers discharged millions of barrels at Indian refineries over the weekend. India has also indicated that it maintains a strong relationship with Russia. Speaking on Friday, foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal characterised this bilateral connection as a "steady and time-tested partnership.
"
8) PM Modi's call for buying local:
In the midst of the US tariff stalemate, PM Modi has stressed the importance of safeguarding India's interests during global economic uncertainty.
"The world economy is going through many apprehensions — there is an atmosphere of instability," Modi said at a rally in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday. "Now, whatever we buy, there should be only one scale: we will buy those things which have been made by the sweat of an Indian.
"
Modi's emphasis on bolstering domestic production and consumption is consistent with his existing "Make in India" initiative. This strategy has gained additional relevance in light of the recent US trade measures and Modi's remarks suggest a defiant note on US threats.
Also Read |
Big message! PM Modi strikes defiant 'Make in India' note in face of Trump's tariff & penalty threats; India to continue buying Russia oil
During Saturday's gathering, Modi said: "The interests of our farmers, our small industries and the employment of our youth are of paramount importance."
9) Indian Army's dig at US:
In a dig at America, the Indian Army shared a significant historical reference on Tuesday, emphasising the US support to Pakistan during the 1971 conflict.
The Army's social media account featured a post titled "This Day That Year – Build Up of War – 05 Aug 1971 #KnowFacts", accompanied by a vintage newspaper headline saying "US ARMS WORTH $2 BILLION SHIPPED TO PAKISTAN SINCE '54."
10) Dead economy? Third largest economy soon:
Last week, commerce minister Piyush Goyal, while addressing the Parliament asserted that India is the fastest growing economy in the world. Goyal's statement in the context of the 25% tariff rate on India, was also seen as a response to Trump's 'dead economy' jibe.
'In just over a decade, India has rapidly transformed from being one of 'Fragile Five' to the fastest growing major economy in the world.
Today, international institutions and economists see India as the bright spot in the global economy. India is contributing to almost 16% of global growth,' Goyal said.
'We have risen from the 11th largest economy to one of the top 5 economies driven by our reforms, hard work of our farmers, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs. It is also widely expected that we will become the third largest economy in a few years,' he added.
Also Read |
'More likely to happen in Lagaan, than...': Harsh Goenka mocks Trump's 'Pakistan may sell oil to India' suggestion; here's the reality of Pak's 'massive' reserves
Stay informed with the latest
business
news, updates on
bank holidays
and
public holidays
.
Discover stories of India's leading eco-innovators at Ecopreneur Honours 2025
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'Seize this moment': Anand Mahindra advises India to do a 1991-like 'Manthan' to find economic 'Amrit' amid Trump tariffs
'Seize this moment': Anand Mahindra advises India to do a 1991-like 'Manthan' to find economic 'Amrit' amid Trump tariffs

Economic Times

time25 minutes ago

  • Economic Times

'Seize this moment': Anand Mahindra advises India to do a 1991-like 'Manthan' to find economic 'Amrit' amid Trump tariffs

Anand Mahindra suggests India should respond to US tariffs with economic reforms. He compares the situation to the 1991 crisis. Mahindra urges focus on investment and ease of business. He recommends single-window clearances and better infrastructure. Faster visa approvals are needed to boost tourism. Reforms in MSMEs and manufacturing are also essential. Mahindra emphasizes making India greater than ever. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Manthan' for 'Amrit' 'Unintended consequences' of the tariff war Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Focus on investment, ease of business, and tourism Reforms needed in MSMEs and manufacturing Amid rising global trade tensions, Anand Mahindra has called on India to seize the moment and pursue deep structural reforms instead of retaliating against the United States' decision to impose a steep 50% tariff on Indian goods. In a post on X, the Mahindra Group chairperson likened the situation to the 1991 economic crisis, which triggered liberalisation, and suggested that today's tariff standoff could serve as a similar turning point for bold domestic referred to the ongoing global trade disruptions as a kind of modern-day 'Manthan'—a churning that, if responded to wisely, could produce 'Amrit' or long-term economic benefits for India. Citing the 'law of unintended consequences,' he pointed to how the tariff war has nudged Europe into higher defence spending and fiscal flexibility, while Canada has begun dismantling internal trade barriers to strengthen its economic resilience. He urged India to respond in kind by radically improving the ease of doing business, creating a single-window investment system, and unlocking tourism as a key source of foreign exchange and Mahindra, chairperson of Mahindra Group, has called on India to respond with economic reforms instead of retaliation after US President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on Indian goods on a post on X, Mahindra likened the global trade tensions to India's 1991 foreign exchange crisis, which led to major economic reforms. He suggested that the current situation could also become a turning point for transformative pointed to the 'law of unintended consequences,' saying that other countries are using the disruption caused by the tariff war to push much-needed structural reforms. He said Europe and Canada are adapting in ways that could have long-term global benefits.'The 'law of unintended consequences' seems to be operating stealthily in the prevailing tariff war unleashed by the U.S. Two examples: The EU may appear to have accepted the evolving global tariff regime, responding with its own strategic adjustments. Yet the friction has…'He said France and Germany have increased defence spending, while Germany has started to move away from strict fiscal discipline, which may support economic revival. In Canada, he noted that the country is removing internal trade barriers that have held back economic integration.'These 'unintended consequences' could become long-term positives for global growth,' Mahindra wrote, urging India to create its own version of a virtuous consequence instead of merely reacting to external attract global investors looking for stable and predictable policies, Mahindra said India must make it easier to do business. He recommended the creation of a single-window clearance system, better infrastructure, and globally benchmarked tourism also called for faster visa approvals to unlock the full potential of tourism, which he said can become a major driver of employment and foreign listed several areas for immediate reforms. These include improved liquidity for MSMEs, faster rollout of infrastructure projects, expanding the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, and rationalising import duties on manufacturing inputs.'We cannot fault others for putting their nations first. But we should be moved to make our own nation greater than ever,' he wrote.

Centre releases Rs 3,000 crore for CMRL Phase 2 in 2025-26
Centre releases Rs 3,000 crore for CMRL Phase 2 in 2025-26

New Indian Express

time27 minutes ago

  • New Indian Express

Centre releases Rs 3,000 crore for CMRL Phase 2 in 2025-26

CHENNAI: The union government has released Rs 3,000 crore so far this financial year towards Chennai Metro Rail's Phase 2 project, according to a Right to Information (RTI) response accessed by TNIE. The funds, disbursed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs as of July 28, form part of a total outlay of Rs 8,445.8 crore earmarked for the project in 2025-26 — the single-largest allocation for any metro project across the country this year. The release includes the full equity contribution of Rs 1,841.2 crore, Rs 158.8 crore in subordinate debt, and Rs 1,000 crore in pass-through assistance (PTA) from external agencies, according to the ministry's reply to RTI petitioner Dayanand Krishnan. A senior official with Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) said the centre had already released approximately Rs 5,400 crore before March 2025, following the formal approval of Phase 2 as a central sector scheme in October 2024. 'The Rs 3,000 crore includes funds received during April and May. In total, Tamil Nadu has received around Rs 8,400 crore so far. It's not disbursed in tranches — funds are released as and when needed,' the official said. Spanning 118.9 km across three corridors, Phase 2 is one of India's largest ongoing urban mobility investments. Its reclassification as a central sector scheme last year has unlocked direct funding from the union government, after years of procedural delays. The steady flow of funds is expected to ease financial pressure on the Tamil Nadu government, which has been seeking continued central support for its expanding mass transit infrastructure. The large allocation also signals the strategic and political significance of the project, with Chennai emerging as a key node in India's urban transport agenda. RTI activist Krishnan, who has closely tracked metro funding in Tamil Nadu, urged the union government to expedite approvals and funding for three pending proposals from the state: A new corridor linking Chennai Airport to Kilambakkam, and greenfield metro projects in Madurai and Coimbatore. Concrete moves Release includes equity of Rs 1,841 cr, Rs 158 cr subordinate debt, Rs 1K c assistance from external agencies In total, Tamil Nadu has received around Rs 8,400 crore so far, says official 118.9 km across 3 corridors; Phase 2 is one of India's largest urban mobility projects

SC junks Madras HC order banning use of CM name in schemes
SC junks Madras HC order banning use of CM name in schemes

New Indian Express

time27 minutes ago

  • New Indian Express

SC junks Madras HC order banning use of CM name in schemes

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday quashed the Madras High Court's interim order that restrained the Tamil Nadu government from using Chief Minister M K Stalin's name and image in the 'Ungaludan Stalin' welfare outreach programme. Terming the plea by AIADMK MP C Ve Shanmugam 'totally misconceived' and an abuse of process of law, the apex court imposed a Rs 10 lakh fine on him, to be paid to the state within a week. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, and comprising Justices K Vinod Chandran and N V Anjaria, said the practice of naming welfare schemes after political leaders is common across the country, and selectively challenging one such scheme reflects political motive rather than genuine concern. 'We do not appreciate the anxiety of the petitioner to choose only one political party and one political leader,' the bench observed. 'If the petitioner was so concerned about the misuse of public funds, he could have challenged all such schemes.' The court noted that even during the AIADMK's tenure, many schemes were branded after CM J Jayalalithaa as 'Amma' initiatives. Senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the DMK and the state government respectively, cited similar schemes in support of their case.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store