Shashi Tharoor’s Sharp Response to Trump’s 25% Tariff Threat on India

Trump’s return could mean trouble for India, and Shashi Tharoor isn’t staying silent about it. After Donald Trump floated the idea of a 25% tariff on Indian goods if re-elected, Tharoor issued a strong warning, calling for India to be ready to counter such “bullying tactics.” His comments have sparked fresh debate over how India should deal with the possibility of a Trump comeback and the economic pressure it might bring.

What Did Trump Say?

Donald Trump, in his signature campaign style, hinted at imposing a 25% tariff on goods from India if he returns to the White House. The statement aligns with his previous “America First” approach, where he has often targeted countries he claims are taking unfair advantage of the US in trade. While Trump did not single out specific products, such a blanket tariff could impact a wide range of Indian exports—from textiles and auto parts to IT services.

Shashi Tharoor’s Reaction

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor didn’t mince words. He called Trump’s threat “a reminder of the dangers of a transactional foreign policy.” Tharoor stressed that India should not be caught off guard and must prepare to defend its economic interests through strategic diplomacy and trade partnerships. His statement wasn’t just political—it was a call for India to protect itself, regardless of who sits in the Oval Office.

Why This Matters for India

For a country like India, especially cities that rely heavily on exports and small industries—think Ludhiana’s textiles, Surat’s diamond cutting, or Rajkot’s machine tools—a sudden tariff hike could disrupt business. MSMEs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities that depend on the US market may be hit the hardest. India’s growing role in global supply chains means it can’t afford to ignore such threats.

The Larger Context

This isn’t the first time Trump has targeted India over trade. During his presidency, he pulled India out of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), impacting over $6 billion worth of Indian exports. His style of diplomacy is driven by pressure tactics, and a second term could bring back similar challenges.

On the flip side, some voices argue that Trump’s threats may be more bark than bite—election rhetoric aimed at domestic voters rather than actual policy moves. Still, the unpredictability makes it risky for India to sit back and watch.

What Should India Do?

Experts suggest India should diversify its export markets, strengthen trade with the EU, ASEAN, and Africa, and focus more on building internal demand. It’s also a reminder for policymakers to keep trade policies flexible and resilient, ready to adapt if the US turns hostile.

Conclusion

Shashi Tharoor’s warning isn’t just political commentary—it’s a reality check. India may soon have to navigate a tougher trade environment if Trump returns to power. The message is clear: don’t wait for the storm to hit. Prepare now, stand firm, and defend national interests—because global trade is only getting more unpredictable.