How Are Opposition Leaders Reacting to the US Supreme Court's Ruling on Trump Tariffs?
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Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 21 (NationPress) Leaders of the opposition in India expressed their approval on Saturday regarding the US Supreme Court's ruling that nullified the tariff policies enacted during the administration of former President Donald Trump. They labeled the decision as crucial for the landscape of global trade and the adherence to a rule-based economic framework.
AAP MP Ashok Mittal also highlighted the recent volatility in tariff rates.
“On August 27, 2025, the United States raised tariffs from 25% to 50%. Previously, under a temporary trade agreement with India, the rate had decreased to 18%. Now, the Supreme Court has ruled that Trump’s tariff initiative was illegal, violating the provisions of the 1970 legislation that authorized such actions,” stated the AAP representative.
Mittal further commented that this ruling may facilitate a rollback of tariffs. “They indicated a reduction of 10%, and the government has acknowledged this, committing to implement it within two days,” he added, expressing his satisfaction with the verdict that was supported by a 6–3 majority.
In Patna, RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari also praised the ruling, asserting that it reaffirmed the supremacy of judicial institutions. “The Supreme Court has declared these tariffs illegal. Nevertheless, President Trump seems unwilling to accept this verdict,” he remarked.
Observers noted that this ruling could wield considerable influence over global trade policies and international economic relations, as stakeholders await an official statement regarding its effects on India.
RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha emphasized the need for clarity on this matter from the officials engaged in negotiations. “There is a lot of confusion emerging. Ideally, our negotiating officials should promptly address this situation. However, they remain silent,” Jha stated.
He also pointed out that parliamentary protocols were overlooked during discussions on this subject. “In the Rajya Sabha, there is a tradition that when ministers make statements, there is an opportunity for clarifications and inquiries. This time, that was not provided. It is clear we are dealing with individuals and a system that is highly inconsistent,” he asserted, emphasizing the necessity to resolve the existing uncertainty.