New Delhi- A heated political storm erupted in the Indian Parliament today after the Congress party demanded an urgent discussion on the United States’ decision to reintroduce a 25% tariff on Indian goods, a move tied to the revived trade policies of former US President Donald Trump.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore submitted an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, insisting that Parliament immediately take up the issue. He emphasized that the new tariffs could have a damaging impact on India’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), along with other export-reliant sectors. “This decision affects the economic backbone of our country and demands immediate attention,” Tagore said during a press briefing.
While the Commerce Ministry has confirmed it is evaluating the broader impact of the tariffs and is prepared to take all necessary actions in India’s interest, the opposition criticized the government for what it described as a lack of urgency. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence from the Rajya Sabha during the debate added fuel to the fire, with opposition parties questioning the Centre’s preparedness to handle the diplomatic fallout.
Trump’s tariff reinstatement comes at a time when India’s foreign policy and defense partnerships—particularly with Russia—are under international scrutiny. Analysts suggest that the renewed duties may be part of a larger attempt to reshape India’s trade and strategic orientation.
Industry experts are sounding the alarm as critical sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, and information technology could face immediate disruptions. MSMEs, which play a pivotal role in India’s export landscape, are expected to be the hardest hit unless a clear counter-policy is rolled out without delay.
With economic uncertainty mounting, today’s parliamentary uproar may be just the beginning of a much larger national debate on trade, sovereignty, and India’s place in shifting global power dynamics.
