Indian congress MP slams Trump’s tariff threats

Indian Congress MP Manish Tewari sharply reacted to US President Donald Trump’s latest threat to “substantially raise tariffs” on goods from India, targeting the country’s energy ties with Russia.

Speaking to the media outside Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session, Tewari urged the Indian government to demonstrate strong resolve in responding firmly to the American president’s warnings, Caliber.Az reports via Indian media. 

“Donald Trump's disparaging remarks hurt the dignity and self-respect of 1.4 crore Indians [14 million]. I hope the government shows the resolve and spine to stare this gentleman down,” the senior Congress leader said.

Calling the language used by Trump “vile,” Tewari expressed disappointment over such rhetoric coming from the leader of the world’s most powerful nation.

"It's unfortunate that in international discourse, such vile language is being used by the President of the most powerful nation in the world. The time has come to call out this constant bullying and hectoring,” he added.

Tewari also highlighted what he called India’s historic tradition of standing firm against any threat to its national interests. 

“Trump's tariff threats need to be met with a steadfast national resolve by the government of India,” he said.

Earlier, President Trump accused India of buying large volumes of Russian oil and then selling much of it on the open market for “big profits.” 

By Sabina Mammadli