All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday lashed out at former US President Donald Trump for imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, bringing the total to 50%, calling it “bullying by the buffoon-in-chief.”
In a strongly-worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Owaisi alleged that the hike was a response to India’s purchase of oil from Russia and warned that the move would have serious repercussions for Indian exporters and small businesses.
“Trump just slapped another 25% tariff on India, taking it to 50%, because we bought oil from Russia. This isn’t diplomacy, it’s bullying by the buffoon-in-chief who clearly doesn’t understand how global trade works,” he wrote.
Owaisi also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling BJP, accusing them of compromising India’s strategic autonomy to benefit their “billionaire friends.”
“These tariffs will hurt Indian exporters, MSMEs, and manufacturers. It’ll disrupt supply chains, deter FDI, and hit jobs hard. But why will @narendramodi care? Where are those BJP muscle-flexers now?” he asked.
“Was selling out our strategic autonomy worth filling your friends’ billionaire coffers?” Owaisi added, taking a dig at Modi’s past remarks about having a “56-inch chest.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also joined the chorus of criticism, accusing the government of lacking clarity in its foreign policy and applying double standards.
In his post on X, Thackeray highlighted the contradictions in India’s diplomatic stance—calling for boycotts of countries like China and Pakistan, while continuing official engagements and sporting ties with them.
“They told us to boycott China… Now there’s an official visit! Did Galwan not happen?” he questioned.
He also raised concerns over continued cricket ties with Pakistan despite diplomatic tensions, and said that Indian students and industries are paying the price for the government’s unclear trade policy.
“From Tareef to Tariff, now at 50%. Indian students hit badly, industries and MSMEs facing trouble, but no minister from the Union Government speaking on it. What is our foreign policy?” he wrote.
On August 6, former US President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order increasing tariffs on Indian imports by another 25%, citing “national security and foreign policy concerns.”
The order claimed that India’s continued import of Russian oil, directly or indirectly, posed an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the US.
With this move, the total tariffs on Indian goods now stand at 50%. The additional levy will come into effect after 21 days, excluding goods already in transit or meeting specific exemption criteria.
The decision has triggered strong backlash in India, with opposition leaders demanding a firm and transparent response from the government.
