Saamana Editorial Slams Donald Trump's 25% Tariff on India
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on India. This has sparked numerous reactions. In this context, criticism has been made in Saamana. It is stated in Saamana that 'President Trump and Prime Minister Modi's alleged friendship is being exposed by Trump every day. Not a single day passes without Trump plucking the feathers of this friendship. This series continued on Wednesday as well. Trump announced a 25% tariff on imported goods from India starting August 1, and plucked another feather from Modi's friendship. Trump did not stop there. He expressed his anger over India's purchase of weapons and crude oil from Russia by announcing a 'penalty' on India. On one hand, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on India, while on the other hand, he made a trade agreement with Pakistan's Sharif government. He promised to explore and develop oil reserves in Pakistan. 'Someday in the future, Pakistan might sell oil to India,' he rubbed salt into Modi's wounds with these words.'
'On Thursday, they further aggravated the wound. They described the prospects of India's economy with Russia as 'sinking', 'dead' economy. They even cursed that both countries could further sink their dead economies. President Trump's 25% tariff bomb, the deal he made with Pakistan, followed by the prospects of the Indian economy, all these things are extremely infuriating for India as a nation and hurt the country's self-respect. Therefore, it was expected that the Modi government would immediately express a clear and straightforward reaction. However, from Modi to Shah-Jaishankar, everyone has lost their voice. They have not recovered from another 'shock' given by Trump. Even while responding to the discussion on 'Operation Sindoor' in the Lok Sabha, Modi could not muster the courage to directly name Trump, and regarding Trump's tariff bomb, they have neither been able to break the fold of their hands nor unlock their mouths. Not to mention, the Modi government has released a clarification through the 'sources' of the Ministry of External Affairs. 'The announcement by Trump is being studied seriously, and all necessary steps will be taken to protect national interests. India has reportedly asserted that it will not bow under anyone's pressure in this regard.'
'Hey, if you're not going to bow down, then say it boldly. Why hide behind the 'sources' of the Ministry of External Affairs? Why are the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Defense Minister, and External Affairs Minister not ready to speak up? On one hand, you say you won't bow down to Trump's tariff bomb, and on the other hand, you play the tune of 'India is completely positive about the bilateral trade agreement with America.' You look hopefully at 'Milord' Trump, expecting him to be pleased. President Trump has fully recognized this 'strength' of the Modi government. That's why, while mentioning friendship, he is plucking the feathers of Modi-friendship every day. He is showing Modi the place of this friendship. He is giving 'tariff blows' and Modi has no other option but to endure it silently. As a friend, Modi embraced Trump and showcased himself, but this friend is cutting India's throat, and Modi, who once said 'This time, Trump government,' is silently observing with helplessness. Neither are they taking Trump's direct name nor showing the courage to defuse his tariff bomb. Why is Modi so helpless in front of them? The people of the country want the answer to this question,' as stated in Saamana.