New Delhi, April 4 (ANI): The Opposition stepped up pressure on the Centre on Thursday, demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally address Parliament following the United States’ imposition of a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods. The move by the US has sparked concerns about its potential impact on key Indian sectors, including automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
“PM Should Give Answer in the House”
Leading the charge, Congress MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said,
“The Prime Minister should come to the House and give an answer on the issue of tariffs.”
Opposition leaders accused the BJP-led government of failing to safeguard India’s trade and diplomatic interests. They demanded clarity on what steps the Centre was taking to address the growing trade dispute with the US.
Parliamentary Protests and Adjournment Motions
Congress MPs, including Manish Tewari, Manickam Tagore, and Gaurav Gogoi, submitted adjournment motion notices seeking an urgent debate on the tariffs and what they described as “deteriorating diplomatic relations” with Washington.
Tewari emphasized the dual impact of the tariffs and recent abrupt US visa revocations affecting Indian students, stating:
“The absence of a transparent grievance redressal mechanism has created widespread anxiety among affected students and their families.”
Meanwhile, Tagore and Gogoi raised concerns over the economic fallout on farmers, MSMEs, and exporters, warning of job losses and reduced competitiveness in global markets.
Rahul Gandhi: “It Will Devastate Our Economy”
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi labeled the US tariffs as a direct blow to India’s economy.
“Our ally has suddenly decided to impose a 26 per cent tariff, which is going to devastate our economy—our auto industry, pharmaceutical industry, and agriculture are all on the line,” he said.
Gandhi demanded the government disclose its plan of action and whether India had held diplomatic discussions or planned any retaliatory or remedial trade measures.
Background: US Tariff Move
The reciprocal tariff is part of a broader set of import duties recently announced by US President Donald Trump, targeting several countries. The tariffs on India are seen as a response to earlier trade barriers and are being interpreted as retaliatory measures.
With rising trade tensions and the implications for strategic partnerships between the two nations, the Opposition insists that Parliament must be taken into confidence. Whether the Prime Minister will make a statement in the House remains to be seen.
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