New Delhi [India], July 30 : Congress leader Supriya Shrinate on Wednesday hit out at the central government after US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff, saying Rahul Gandhi had already warned about this, and it is going to impact our economy.
Speaking to ANI, Shrinate said, "Rahul Gandhi had already warned about this... This is going to impact our economy, exports, production and in turn, our jobs and employment."
"You (ruling) gave the slogan of 'Abki baar Trump Sarkar', but he sent our people shackled, said 30 times that he declared a ceasefire... What answer does PM Modi have on this?" she questioned.
"We export pharmaceuticals to the US, and with the 25 per cent tariff, they will become expensive, resulting in decreased demand, subsequently leading to lower production and employment," she explained.
Shrinate lashed out at the government's foreign policy, saying, "This is a result of our failed foreign policy."
Shrinate further said that the government must have prepared in some way for this; all the sectors will be affected by it.
Furthermore, India said that it has taken note of a statement by the US President on bilateral trade and is studying its implications.
A statement by the Commerce and Industry Ministry today said that India and the US have been engaged in negotiations on concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement over the last few months.
"We remain committed to that objective," the statement said.
It said the Government attaches the utmost importance to protecting and promoting the welfare of our farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs.
"The Government will take all steps necessary to secure our national interest, as has been the case with other trade agreements, including the latest Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the UK," the statement said.
US President Donald Trump today, in a social media post on his Truth Social Account, announced 25 per cent tariffs on India starting August 1. Trump also said India will face additional penalties for purchasing oil from Russia.
"Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country. Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia's largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE - ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST 1st. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA!", Trump posted.