Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Saturday, 2 August, strongly criticised the United States' decision to impose a 25% tariff on Indian goods, calling it not only economically punitive but also a strategic provocation that challenges India's sovereignty and trade independence. She further urged the Union government to treat the situation as a wake-up call and an opportunity to push aggressively towards economic self-reliance and strategic autonomy.

Mayawati calls out Trump's aggressive policy

In a sharply worded statement, Mayawati said that US President Donald Trump’s decision, announced on 30 July, to levy a 25% tariff on all Indian imports from 1 August 2025, along with an additional yet unspecified “penalty”, was a clear indication of Washington’s frustration with India’s independent foreign policy, especially concerning defence and energy purchases from Russia.

“These new trade measures by the US are unjustified, arbitrary, and hostile,” Mayawati stated.
“The central government must not only condemn this behaviour diplomatically but also treat it as an opportunity to pivot towards real ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance).”

US cites Russia-India ties as reason

Trump’s tariff announcement, made during a campaign-style address in Ohio, targeted India's continued oil imports from Russia and its procurement of Russian defence systems, which the US claims violates global sanctions. He also accused India of maintaining “obnoxious” trade barriers and warned that additional economic penalties could follow if New Delhi does not “adjust course.”

This escalation has placed significant strain on US-India bilateral trade, with Indian exporters now facing an uphill battle in their largest Western market.

A chance to rebuild, says Mayawati

Mayawati, however, viewed this crisis from a strategic lens. She said the tariffs should motivate the country to reduce dependency on volatile global actors and build up domestic industrial capacity, especially for small and medium enterprises.

“Let this serve as a lesson. We must stop seeing the West as the only viable market. Instead, India must invest in its own strengths — manufacturing, agriculture, MSMEs, and services.”

She advocated a massive push to empower Indian industries, citing how similar global moments in the past have forced countries to adopt strong inward-looking economic policies that later paid off.

Criticism of central government's approach

While calling for unity, Mayawati also criticised the Union government for what she described as a short-sighted approach in foreign and trade policy. According to her, India should have foreseen the consequences of balancing strategic relations with both Russia and the West without hedging sufficiently.

She questioned whether enough effort had been made to secure trade exemptions, negotiate bilateral safeguards, or develop alternative markets in Asia, Africa, or South America.

“Our government needs to learn the art of anticipating blowback. These tariffs could have been prevented with timely diplomacy,” she said.

Industry bodies express concern

Various industry associations, particularly those linked to textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather, and automotive components, have expressed deep concern over the new tariff regime imposed by the US. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and FICCI have both issued statements urging the government to immediately intervene and explore alternate trade routes and global partnerships.

Government studying implications

The Commerce Ministry of India, in a separate statement, said it is closely studying the implications of the new US tariffs and will take all steps necessary to protect India's economic and strategic interests. A task force has reportedly been set up to evaluate sector-wise impact and suggest short- and medium-term responses.

The ministry emphasised that India reserves the right to approach the WTO if required and would initiate bilateral dialogue to find a resolution.

Opposition joins chorus

Leaders across party lines have also weighed in, with Congress, TMC, and the Left urging the Centre to push back diplomatically and invest in alternate export markets, including greater South-South cooperation. However, it was Mayawati’s bold framing of the issue as a test of India’s economic sovereignty that stood out prominently.

“India has the strength to withstand these pressures. But only if we act boldly, and decisively, and place Indian industry at the centre of our national agenda,” she said.

Conclusion

As global geopolitical alignments continue to shift, the Trump administration’s trade aggression towards India has presented a major policy challenge — and perhaps also an unforeseen opportunity to recalibrate India's economic trajectory. Mayawati’s call for self-reliance resonates with the Atmanirbhar Bharat theme, but it remains to be seen whether the government will act swiftly and decisively to convert crisis into transformation.

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