09/08/2025
Tariffs Won’t Shake 1.4 Billion Dreams — India Stands Tall , Gaurav
BJP Spokesperson Gaurav Gupta has sharply criticized the United States’ decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian imports, calling it unjust, discriminatory, and a blatant example of geopolitical double standards. Gaurav Gupta said that America’s justification—India’s continued purchase of Russian oil—is misleading and hypocritical. “Our energy imports are driven solely by national interest and market economics, aimed at securing affordable energy for 1.4 billion Indians,” he said.
He pointed out that multiple major economies—including the European Union, China, Japan, South Korea, and Turkey—continue to import Russian energy in large volumes. Even the U.S. itself imports uranium and enriched uranium hexafluoride from Russia. “Yet, only India is being penalized. Why? This reflects a clear and targeted double standard,” Gupta said.
He emphasized that these new tariffs on sectors like textiles, gems & jewellery, machinery, and vehicles are not just about Russian oil—they are part of a larger attempt to push India to open its agriculture and dairy markets to genetically modified and ethically objectionable products such as blood meal. “Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, India has repeatedly and firmly declined such unreasonable demands. We will never compromise our farmers, our food safety, or our cultural values,” he asserted.
Speaking on the global context, Gupta said the U.S. move is not isolated. “Other BRICS nations like Brazil and South Africa have also been punished for not falling in line. Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro faced coup allegations and lost elections to Lula da Silva, who himself has been accused of corruption. In South Africa, President Ramaphosa has consistently voiced anti-West sentiments, yet India is being targeted disproportionately. This is not about oil—it’s about sovereignty and strategic independence,” he noted.
Gaurav Gupta further added that while the U.S. pushes its ‘America First’ policy, it should realize the world is now multipolar. “India is a responsible, rising power, recently concluding Free Trade Agreements with the UK and Saudi Arabia. Our credibility is globally recognized,” he said.
In a sharp observation on timing, he pointed to the upcoming SCO Summit in China, where PM Modi, Russian President Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping are all scheduled to meet. “This trilateral presence signals a new global alignment, and it’s clear that no one country can dictate terms anymore,” Gupta said.
He concluded by saying, “India won’t kneel to threats. We are open to fair and respectful engagement, but pressure tactics will not work. This so-called setback is actually a blessing in disguise. It will strengthen our resolve for self-reliance and push us toward a more balanced and assertive global role.”
