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The Print
39 minutes ago
- Business
- The Print
Proxy pushback: After Rajnath, now Gadkari & Venkaiah; BJP is running out of patience with Trump
On 10 August, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking in Madhya Pradesh, hit back at Trump's remark on India's economy. He said: 'There are those who try to ensure that products made in India become more expensive when they cross borders, discouraging global buyers. But now, I am confident that no force in the world can stop India from emerging as a significant global power. Some individuals simply do not appreciate the rapid development we are achieving; they wonder how India is advancing so quickly.' In a recent comment, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, 'Sabke boss' was not happy with India's development; Union Minister Nitin Gadkari condemned the tariffs as an act of 'dada giri'; while senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu said that Trump dining with individuals linked to terrorism, like General Munir, was not well-received in India. Referring to the 'dead' economy comment, Naidu said Trump's comment was not worthy of an American president. Not just the top leaders, even MPs and state leaders of the BJP are now attacking Trump. New Delhi: After an initial period of restraint, BJP leaders have now started criticising President Trump for the 50% trade tariff he has imposed on India, and described it as a 'dead' economy. During a lecture at the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) in Nagpur on 9 August, Gadkari spoke of the need for India to focus on importing less and exporting more to position itself as a global leader. He said, 'If the rate of our exports increase, then I don't think we will need to go to anyone. Those who are indulging in dadagiri are doing so because they are economically strong, and they have technology. If we have better technology and resources, we will not bully anyone, because our culture teaches us that welfare of the world is most important.' Gadkari advised businessman to import less and export more to become 'Vishwa guru'. Former vice president Venkiah Naidu said in a statement: 'I don't know why he (Trump) is making such statements. 'Operation Sindoor' has been hailed by one and all for its precision and quick response, targeting the terror camps without affecting civilians or causing any loss to the people, as our intention was not to have a war with Pakistan. We want to retaliate and react to a situation created by them, they have encouraged and are responsible for the killing of 26 innocent pilgrims and tourists. That being the case, the government responded, and people are happy with the response of the government. Trump invited Asim Munir for lunch to the White House. The people of India do not like perpetrators of terrorism being honoured in this manner. Also, some of his utterances are not worthy of an American President.' Venkiah Naidu, Rajnath Singh, and Gadkari, who have held the highest offices in the country, are not the only ones publicly criticising the American president. The patience of BJP MPs and state leaders appears to be wearing thin, faced as they are with the Congress' taunts about the PM's silence on Trump. BJP's Rajasthan unit president Madan Rathore, speaking in Jaipur, openly condemned Trump's decision to impose tariffs. He said, 'The American president believes he is the big boss and can impose his authority on India, but we will not bow down. During Vajpayee's era, America used economic sanctions against us, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee did not waver; he conducted the Pokhran nuclear tests. The tariffs will ultimately hurt American citizens more. America relies on Indian medicine, particularly our affordable generic drugs, which will become too expensive due to these taxes. We are also working diplomatically with Russia and China. If America refuses our products, we may face challenges, but India has a vast internal market, and in the long run, it will impact American citizens significantly.' Sources indicate that Trump's comments labeling the Indian economy as 'dead' necessitated a response, prompting the Ministry of External Affairs to react. It was politically important to convey to the public why India was voicing its opposition to Trump. This is why, following a statement from the Commerce Minister in Parliament, Prime Minister Modi addressed the issue to assure farmers that India will safeguard its interests, especially for the farming community. In his first public remarks after President Trump escalated tariffs, the PM said the country 'will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers, and fisherfolk'. He acknowledged that he personally 'may have to pay a very heavy price', but reiterated he is 'ready for it'. Prime Minister also said, 'The welfare of our farmers stands at the forefront of our priorities. India will steadfastly protect the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers, and fisherfolk. I understand that I may bear significant consequences for this commitment, yet I am prepared to face them. Today, India stands ready—for the farmers, the fisherfolk, and the livestock rearers of our great nation.' In the past week, various BJP leaders have been attacking Trump. Referring to Trump's remarks on oil reserves in Pakistan, BJP Lok Sabha MP Nishikant Dubey said, 'What can a beggar country offer India?' Through numerous tweets, he stated, 'Pakistan possesses only 25 percent of the necessary oil and gas reserves for its own needs. According to the US, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Qatar pipeline options are the only viable solutions for Pakistan. What can a beggar country provide India? India prioritises its farmers, small traders, and national security above all else. This is Modi's vision of a stronger India.' BJP Lok Sabha MP from Gujarat, Hemant Joshi, shared with ThePrint, 'Trump has a tendency to make unilateral statements only to later retract them. In the past, he's made several declarations before backtracking. So, let's wait for the outcome of the trade deal with America. However, knowing our Prime Minister, he will not yield to any pressure from Trump.' Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress has ridiculed the Prime Minister's self-portrayal as a champion of Indian farmers, saying that this 'claim' rings hollow coming as it does after the 'battering' from Trump. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to X to remind everyone of a moment five years ago when the Prime Minister dismissed the farmers' protests by calling them 'andolanjeevi', and remained silent when over 700 farmers reportedly lost their lives during the protests. Farmers' organisations continue to fight for crucial demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) based on the Swaminathan Formula, which includes comprehensive costs of cultivation plus a 50% margin, along with significant debt relief. One BJP functionary remarked that given the complexities of the trade talks, especially with Trump's stance favouring Pakistan, India must recalibrate its diplomacy. The sudden visit of NSA Ajit Doval to Russia was a strategic move to convey that India would not bow to Trump's influence. Despite the PM's personal efforts to forge a relationship with Trump, the focus remains on prioritising our domestic interests, as India cannot be a passive observer in this scenario, he said. (Edited by Viny Mishra) Also read: Modi's ready to risk it all for farmers. Farm reform can answer Trump with new Green Revolution
NDTV
7 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
"Those Doing ' Dadagiri '...": Nitin Gadkari Jabs Trump Over Tariffs
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday emphasised the need for India to boost exports and advance in technology to achieve economic self-reliance. He made the remarks while delivering a lecture at the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) in Nagpur. Gadkari said, "If our export and economic growth rate increases, I don't think we will need to go to anyone. Those who are doing 'dadagiri' are doing so because they are financially strong and have technology." He added that despite becoming financially strong, India would remain guided by its culture. "Today, if we become financially strong and also become ahead in technology, even after this, we will not bully anyone because this is not in our culture. Our culture teaches us that the welfare of the world is the most important," Gadkari said. Underscoring the importance of innovation, the minister noted, "Today the solution to all the problems of the world is science, technology and knowledge. If we use these three things, then we will never have to bow down to the world. Research centres, IITs, and engineering colleges should conduct research with the country's needs in mind. There are different things in all districts, states and regions. We have to work keeping everyone in mind. If we do such work continuously, then the growth rate of our country's economy will increase up to three times." Gadkari's remarks come after US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an Executive Order imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on imports from India. Trump cited matters of national security and foreign policy concerns, as well as other relevant trade laws, for the increase, claiming that India's imports of Russian oil, directly or indirectly, pose an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to the United States. Terming the United States' move to impose additional tariffs on India over its oil imports from Russia as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declared that New Delhi will take "all actions necessary to protect its national interests.
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First Post
14 hours ago
- Business
- First Post
Amid Trump tariff tirade, Gadkari takes ‘dadagiri' jibe at US moves
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has criticised nations that engage in 'dadagiri' using economic and technological might, in a veiled swipe at the US amid soaring trade tensions after Trump's tariff diktats. read more Taking a swipe at US President Donald Trump's tariff offensive, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said nations that 'bully' others on the global stage draw their power from economic muscle and technological superiority. His remarks come as India reels under record-high US tariffs. Speaking at the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) in Nagpur on Saturday, Gadkari called for ramping up exports, cutting imports, and harnessing science and technology to achieve self-reliance. 'Those who indulge in 'dadagiri' are economically strong and technologically advanced. If we acquire better technology and resources, we will not bully anyone, our culture teaches that the welfare of the whole world is paramount,' he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His comments follow an escalation in trade tensions after Trump signed an order on August 6 slapping an additional 25 per cent duty on Indian goods, taking total tariffs to 50 per cent, the steepest ever for India. The hike hits a wide range of sectors, from textiles and gems to pharmaceuticals and auto parts. Washington has linked the move to India's continued purchase of Russian oil, which New Delhi defends as critical to its energy security. The tariffs mark the sharpest diplomatic rift between the two countries in two decades, with the US suspending trade talks and warning of more sanctions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a remark widely seen as aimed at Trump, vowed India would never compromise on the welfare of farmers, fishermen, and dairy workers, even if it meant 'paying a heavy price.' Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also hit out at the US measures, hinting that some powers are uncomfortable with India's rise. Calling the US 'sabka boss' (everyone's boss), he said, 'Many want Indian products to become expensive so the world stops buying them. But no power can now stop India from becoming a global force.' India has condemned the tariffs as 'unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable' and pledged to take all necessary steps to safeguard its interests.
Mint
14 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
Nitin Gadkari takes ‘dadagiri' jibe amid US tariff hike, ‘will never have to bow down if…'
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stressed that enhancing exports and advancing technological capabilities are key for India to attain economic self-reliance. In a vieled attack over 50 percent tariff on India, he accused on US President Donald Trump of 'dadagiri'. Gadkari, while speaking at Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) in Nagpur, said, "If our export and economic growth rate increases, I don't think we will need to go to anyone. Those who are doing 'dadagiri' are doing so because they are financially strong and have technology." Gadkari's remarks on Saturday come days after Donald Trump signed an Executive Order imposing an additional 25% tariff on imports from India. Trump cited matters of national security and foreign policy concerns, as well as other relevant trade laws, for the increase, claiming that India's imports of Russian oil, directly or indirectly, pose an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to the United States. He added that despite becoming financially strong, India would remain guided by its culture. "Today, if we become financially strong and also become ahead in technology, even after this, we will not bully anyone because this is not in our culture. Our culture teaches us that the welfare of the world is the most important," Gadkari said. Underscoring the importance of innovation, the minister noted, "Today the solution to all the problems of the world is science, technology and knowledge. If we use these three things, then we will never have to bow down to the world. Research centres, IITs, and engineering colleges should conduct research with the country's needs in mind. There are different things in all districts, states and regions. We have to work keeping everyone in mind. If we do such work continuously, then the growth rate of our country's economy will increase up to three times." Terming the United States' move to impose additional tariffs on India over its oil imports from Russia as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declared that New Delhi will take "all actions necessary to protect its national interests.
India Today
a day ago
- Business
- India Today
Nitin Gadkari's ‘dadagiri' jibe amid US's tariff offensive against India
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that countries indulging in 'dadagiri' (bullying) on the global stage are able to do so because of their economic clout and technological edge. His remarks come at a time when India is facing its steepest-ever tariffs from the United at the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) in Nagpur on Saturday, Gadkari urged India to boost exports, cut imports, and harness science and technology to achieve self-reliance. 'Those who are indulging in 'dadagiri' are doing so because they are economically strong, and they have technology. If we get better technology and resources, we will not bully anyone, because our culture teaches us that welfare of the world is most important,' he comments follow a fresh escalation in trade tensions after US President Donald Trump signed an order on August 6 imposing an additional 25 per cent duty on Indian goods, taking the total tariff to 50 per cent. This makes India one of the most heavily taxed trading partners in US history, with sectors ranging from textiles and gems to pharmaceuticals and auto parts hit hard. The White House has linked the penalties to New Delhi's continued purchase of Russian oil — a stance India has defended as essential for its energy security. The move has sparked the sharpest diplomatic rift between the two countries in two decades, with Washington suspending trade talks and warning of further Minister Narendra Modi, in a pointed message widely seen as directed at Trump, said India would never compromise on the welfare of its farmers, fishermen, and dairy workers, even if that meant 'paying a heavy price.''For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority,' PM Modi said at a recent Minister Rajnath Singh also criticised the US measures, suggesting that some powers were uncomfortable with India's rapid growth. Referring to the US as 'sabka boss,' he said, 'Many are trying to ensure that products made in India become more expensive so that the world stops buying them. But no power can now stop India from becoming a major global power.'India has branded the tariffs 'unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable' and vowed to 'take all necessary actions' to protect its interests.- EndsTune InMust Watch
