"Your Foreign Policy engagements — smiles, hugs, hurt our interests": Kharge slams PM over tariffs

After US President Donald Trump imposed a double tariff on Indian imports, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that this step of his "dear friend" would make India lose an estimated Rs 2.17 Lakh Crore as the first jolt across 10 sectors alone. In a post on X, Kharge stated that the Modi government has done "absolutely nothing" to mitigate the impact and protect farmer livelihoods. "Your dear friend "Abki Baar, Trump Sarkar" has imposed 50% Tariffs on India, starting today. We will lose an estimated ₹2.17 Lakh Crore as the first jolt to this Tariff, across 10 sectors alone. Our Farmers, especially Cotton farmers, are badly hit. You had said you are ready to pay any "personal price" to protect them, but you have done absolutely nothing to soften the blow and protect their livelihoods," Kharge wrote on 'X'. The Congress chief further cited the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) report stating that India will suffer one per cent of its GDP due to tariffs and China will get the benefit. He further drew attention to the job losses in key sectors and noted that MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) are being affected by the US tariffs. "Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) suggests that almost 1% of our GDP could be impacted, and that China would benefit. Several export-oriented important sectors, including MSMEs, will experience massive job losses," Kharge said. Continuing his attacks on the Centre, the Congress Chief stated that the Indian textile sector could face a potential loss of 500,000 jobs, while the Gems and Jewellery sector could lose 150,000 to 200,000 jobs. "Indian textile export sector is facing potential job losses of about 500,000 including both direct and indirect employment. In the Gems & Jewellery sector, 150,000 to 200,000 jobs could be at risk if the tariffs continue. Close to 1,00,000 workers involved in diamond cutting and polishing across the Saurashtra region have already lost their jobs since April, when the 10% base US tariff was put in place," Kharge said. "Livelihoods of half a million shrimp farmers directly and another 2.5 million indirectly is at grave risk. Indian National interest is supreme. A robust Foreign Policy needs substance and deft, but your superficial Foreign Policy engagements - smiles, hugs and selfies have hurt our interests. You failed in securing a Trade Deal. Now you are failing to protect our country," the Congress President said. Trump's 50% tariffs kick in today, posing significant challenges for India's low-margin and labour-intensive export sectors. This follows the draft notice published by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that stated that the order would come in effect from August 27. According to the notice, the additional duties are being imposed to give effect to the President's Executive Order 14329 of August 6, 2025, titled "Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of the Russian Federation. The higher duties are applicable to all Indian products that are either entered for consumption in the U.S. or withdrawn from warehouses for consumption. With this, the 50 per cent tariffs on India's imports to the U.S. are now in effect.