New Delhi: In a severe assessment of Narendra Modi government's foreign policy, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed deep worry about the imposition of a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian exports from America. Speaking in Parliament, Gandhi warned that it would very badly affect India's economy, notably Haiti's automobile and pharma sectors. Calling the situation devastating, Gandhi rightly blamed the government for mishandling foreign relations.
Taking cues from the past, Gandhi endeared the identities of his grandmother, the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in her struggle to assert the pride of Indian foreign policy. Recalling her response to the question of whether she stood for Left or Right, he contrasted her brazen policy with the Modi-led government's tendency to grovel before foreign powers, especially the US.
Raising questions on the China matter, Gandhi cited India's objection to 4,000 sq km of Indian land encroached upon by China, particularly in the light of the Galwan Valley conflict in 2020, which left 20 Indian soldiers martyred. He simply could not believe his eyes when he saw photographs of Indian officials cutting a cake with the Chinese ambassador immediately after the assault. He called the government into question who showed such poor judgement in handling the issue.
Responding to Gandhi's comments, BJP leader Anurag Thakur attributed the historical loss of Aksai Chin to China during Jawaharlal Nehru's time. He also made mention of the 1962 war and accused China of treachery despite the 'Hindu-Chini Bhai Bhai' slogan of those days.
Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of Commerce is still assessing the latest implications of the United States' tariffs; the duties may be lowered to show timely action by India in addressing US concerns.
[Source Credit: NDTV]
