Leaders and commentators are strongly defending India’s right to make independent foreign policy decisions. They argue that no external power should punish India for choosing strategic autonomy. Many see the recent 50% tariff hike by the US as an unfair attempt to pressure India over its ties with Russia. Critics say India has always upheld its national interest with dignity, even under past threats and sanctions.

Mallkarjun Kharge posts on X: "India's national interest is supreme. Any nation that arbitrarily penalises India for our time-tested policy of strategic autonomy, which is embedded in the ideology of Non-alignment, doesn't understand the steel frame India is made of," a statement declared.

India's national interest is supreme. Any nation that arbitrarily penalises India for our time-tested policy of strategic autonomy, which is embedded in the ideology of Non-alignment, doesn't understand the steel frame India is made of.

From the threats of 7th fleet to the…

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) August 7, 2025

India has faced foreign pressure before. It stood its ground during the US 7th fleet episode and after the nuclear tests. The country made decisions based on national interest, not foreign approval.

Trump’s Tariffs Draw Sharp Reactions

Former US President Donald Trump has now imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports. Critics say this move comes when India’s diplomacy is at its weakest. "Trump's 50% Tariffs comes at a time, when our own diplomacy is disastrously dithering," a critic said.

Modi’s Silence Under Scrutiny

Critics are questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response. They claim he stayed silent during several key moments. First, they mention Trump’s repeated claims. "You kept mum when Trump claimed that he BROKERED the CEASEFIRE. He has claimed at least 30 times and counting." Next, they point to the BRICS Summit. On November 30, 2024, Trump threatened a 100% tariff on BRICS nations. While Trump said “BRICS dead,” PM Modi reportedly “was sitting there, visibly smirking.”

India Saw the Tariffs Coming

Observers say the government had plenty of warning. Trump had been talking about “RECIPROCAL TARIFFS” for months. Even then, the Union Budget failed to offer protection to sectors like agriculture, MSMEs, and manufacturing.

Trade Deal Failure Sparks Anger

Despite months of talk, India did not secure a trade deal with the US. Ministers even visited Washington for negotiations. Yet, the result was disappointing. "You failed to negotiate a TRADE DEAL with the US. You had more than 6th months. Now Mr. Trump is intimidating and  coercing us - but you keep quiet," critics say.

Indian Economy Faces Heavy Losses

India’s exports to the US were worth ₹7.51 lakh crore in 2024. A 50% tariff could cause losses of around ₹3.75 lakh crore. The most affected sectors may include:

• MSMEs

• Agriculture and dairy

• Engineering goods

• Electronics

• Gems and jewellery

• Petroleum products

• Drug formulations and cotton clothing

Critics Call It a Policy Failure

Many believe the government is unprepared for this crisis. They say it failed to protect key sectors and ignored warning signs.

One critic summed it up harshly: "Your Govt is CLUELESS how to deal with it. You can't even blame this FOREIGN POLICY DISASTER on the 70 years of Congress!!"