How is TN BJP Reacting to Trump’s Tariff War While Praising PM Modi’s Diplomatic Efforts?

Chennai, Sep 2 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu BJP expressed concern on Tuesday regarding US President Donald Trump’s recent choice to impose a 50% tariff on Indian exports, describing it as a significant setback to the long-standing collaboration between Washington and New Delhi. The party commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his adept diplomatic strategies.

According to a statement from Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad, Trump’s decision, which took effect on August 27, 2025, poses a threat to crucial Indian sectors such as textiles, jewellery, and machinery, potentially disrupting the global trade landscape.

Trump defended the tariffs as a response to India’s ongoing acquisition of Russian oil amidst the Ukraine crisis, which he termed a combination of economic pressure and personal grudge.

There are indications that Trump’s annoyance with being sidelined in the mediation of the India-Pakistan conflict earlier this year may have influenced his decision.

Prasad remarked that Trump’s policies have prompted India to seek a more diversified array of global alliances, bringing it closer to Beijing and Moscow.

The Tamil Nadu BJP highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s recent attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China as a testament to India’s pragmatic diplomatic approach. This visit marked Modi’s first trip to China since 2018, resulting in agreements regarding fertiliser trade and plans to resume passenger flights, indicating a thaw in relations.

Russia has emerged as a crucial mediator, reinforcing the developing Russia-India-China (RIC) framework. The international backlash against Trump’s tariffs has been considerable, with former US officials like John Kerry and John Bolton cautioning that this move could further alienate the US and tighten India’s ties with Russia and China.

Economist Jeffrey Sachs described the tariffs as “the most foolish tactical blunder in US foreign policy,” while legal challenges to their legitimacy have already surfaced in US courts.

In contrast, PM Modi’s strategy has been characterized by stability and respect. Over more than a decade in office, the prime minister has enhanced India’s global presence through collaborative diplomacy, bolstering energy security and advocating for a multipolar Asia.

The Tamil Nadu BJP emphasized, “India is not turning its back on the US, but affirming its right to an independent foreign policy.” The party leader asserted, “The world is taking notice,” adding, “It’s evident that PM Modi’s vision of cooperation starkly contrasts with Trump’s confrontational approach.”