New Delhi [India], July 31 : The Modi government came under sharp criticism from the opposition on Wednesday following US President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods. Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi termed the development a major diplomatic setback and called on the Centre to clarify the current status of India's foreign policy.
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi, while talking to ANI, questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the matter during recent parliamentary debates.
"The foreign policy that was being trumpeted during the debate for the last 3 days has turned out to be a hollow drum. PM Modi ji did not have the courage to even mention Trump's name once in his speech, and everyone felt that he was avoiding the name out of fear of the tariff, but not taking the name didn't help at all," said Pratapgarhi.
"...In the end, what happened is that this government has given the country the gift of a 25% tariff... This is a failure of diplomacy and foreign policy. The government should explain where its diplomatic and foreign policy stands," he added.
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh also took aim at the Prime Minister, stating, "Trump uses tariffs as a weapon and he is using it globally, against all countries... PM Modi needs to understand that India has been hit with the highest tariffs in all the ASEAN countries. He should talk about it with his 'friend'..."
Earlier in the day, Congress and other opposition leaders took jibes at the Modi government on Wednesday over Donald Trump announcing a 25 per cent tariff and an extra penalty on Indian goods, but also slammed the US President's move, terming it unfortunate.
They said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a "grave miscalculation of trying to appease Trump". The opposition warned that the tariff would adversely impact Indian exports and urged the government to respond firmly.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders expressed confidence that the government would deal with the matter appropriately.
The opposition's statements come amid growing concerns over the economic impact of the US tariff move, which is being viewed as a direct blow to India's export sector.