Indian opposition leader says 'Modi will surrender again' after US tariff ruling

ISLAMABAD: India’s opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has stepped up his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the US Supreme Court struck down global tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump, triggering a fresh political row over India’s interim trade understanding with Washington.

In a post on X, Gandhi accused the prime minister of compromising India’s national interest. “PM Modi’s betrayal now stands exposed,” he wrote, adding that the premier “can’t renegotiate” and would “surrender again.”

The remarks followed a 6-3 ruling by the US Supreme Court that the Trump administration had exceeded its authority by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977 to impose sweeping import tariffs.

The court held that the law did not permit such broad trade measures.

Reacting to the verdict, Trump called it a “terrible decision” and announced plans to introduce a 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows temporary import surcharges of up to 15% for 150 days to address balance-of-payments issues.

The controversy has sparked sharp reactions from India’s opposition. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge questioned why the Modi government had moved ahead with what he described as a “trap deal” before the US court’s ruling.

He alleged that the joint trade statement included major concessions, including zero tariffs on several American exports and large-scale imports of US goods.

Congress leader Dr Shama Mohamed also cited remarks attributed to Trump, quoting him as saying: “We made a deal with India, it’s a fair deal now, we are not paying tariffs and they are paying tariffs.”

In her post on X, she echoed Gandhi’s criticism, alleging that the deal benefits the United States at India’s expense.

She also questioned whether the government was aware of the pending case before the US Supreme Court and suggested that the agreement may have been concluded under pressure.

The Modi government has yet to issue a response to the opposition’s latest allegations.