Congress MP Manish Tewari Demands Clarity on India’s Tariff Reductions Amid U.S. Pressure Concerns
New Delhi, March 11, 2025 – Congress MP Manish Tewari has called for urgent clarification from the Indian government regarding reports of tariff reductions allegedly made under pressure from the United States. In a statement issued today, Tewari expressed alarm over the lack of transparency surrounding the issue, emphasizing its implications for India’s economic sovereignty.
“Whatever has emerged in the public space is very ambiguous. There is no clarification from the government. Are they under pressure from the US to rationalize tariffs? What happened during the Commerce Minister’s visit to Washington, DC? There are a large number of questions that need to be answered because they are connected with the economic sovereignty of India,” Tewari said.
The controversy stems from U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent claims that India has agreed to significantly lower its tariffs following his administration’s criticism of India’s trade policies. Trump’s remarks, made during a televised address, have sparked a political firestorm in India, with opposition leaders accusing the Modi government of compromising national interests. Tewari’s comments follow his submission of an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, where he seeks to suspend regular proceedings to discuss the matter, citing its national importance.
Tewari questioned the outcomes of Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s recent trip to Washington, DC, and urged the government to disclose whether external pressure influenced India’s trade policy decisions. “If the government is indeed rationalizing tariffs under pressure from the U.S., it undermines our strategic autonomy. This cannot be taken lightly,” he added. He also suggested that India should consider reciprocal tariffs rather than conceding to unilateral demands, a stance echoed by other Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh.
The Congress party has vowed to raise the issue in the ongoing Parliament session, demanding accountability from the BJP-led NDA government. Tewari stressed the need for safeguards in sensitive sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, warning that unchecked tariff reductions could harm domestic industries and farmers.
As of now, the Indian government has not officially confirmed or denied Trump’s assertions, leaving room for speculation and intensifying calls for transparency. With the U.S. set to implement reciprocal tariffs on April 2, 2025, the debate over India’s trade strategy is expected to escalate, placing the Modi administration under increased scrutiny.
This development comes amid broader discussions on India’s global trade position, with the opposition framing it as a test of the government’s commitment to protecting national interests. As Parliament reconvenes, all eyes will be on the government’s response to these pressing questions.
