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S.K.Khushu
President Donald Trump’s recent rhetoric and tariff threats against India reveal a pattern of coercive diplomacy aimed at forcing New Delhi to align with U.S. interests, particularly in energy purchases. Trump has publicly mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming Modi “begged” him with phrases like “Sir, can I come to America?” and insisting “Modi knows I am not happy, he has to make me happy.” These taunts coincide with escalating U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, which Trump justifies by demanding India halt cheap oil imports from Russia and buy exclusively from American suppliers at premium prices. This isn’t mere banter—it’s economic bullying designed to extract concessions, disregarding India’s sovereign right to secure affordable energy amid global volatility.India’s strategy of buying discounted Russian oil has saved billions, stabilizing domestic fuel prices and supporting economic growth. Trump’s pressure ignores this reality, framing India as a “dead economy” to amplify his narrative. Such insults demean not just Modi but the office of India’s Prime Minister and the nation’s 1.4 billion people. Trump’s playbook echoes his interventions elsewhere, like the U.S.-backed regime change efforts in Venezuela, where he labeled President Nicolás Maduro a dictator and supported his ouster—actions some critics liken to overreach. By stooping to personal jabs, Trump treats global leadership like a reality TV episode, eroding mutual respect between the world’s largest democracies.
Domestic Opposition’s Reckless Alignment with Foreign Criticism.
Compounding this external assault, India’s main opposition, the Congress party, has echoed Trump’s barbs instead of defending national dignity. Rather than condemning Trump’s dictatorial posturing or tariff threats, Congress leaders have amplified claims of India’s “dead economy” and accused Modi of “begging” Trump. This glee over a foreign leader’s humiliation of the Indian PM raises alarms about misplaced priorities. Even more troubling, some opposition voices draw parallels between Modi and Venezuela’s Maduro, implying Trump might “treat” Modi similarly—invoking imagery of kidnapping or overthrow that borders on sedition.This isn’t principled critique; it’s opportunistic partisanship that aligns with foreign adversaries at a vulnerable time. Congress’s silence on Trump’s overthrows abroad, coupled with their delight in his India-bashing, fuels perceptions of anti-national bias. Support from left-leaning groups and communities harbouring ideological grudges against Modi’s Hindu-centric policies only deepens divisions. If Congress were in power, would they meekly buy overpriced U.S. oil to appease Trump, burdening the economy? Or resist, only to face the same “Venezuela treatment” they gleefully predict for Modi? Their rhetoric suggests a willingness to prioritize personal vendettas over national interest. Geopolitical Challenges Demand Unity, Not Division India faces existential threats on multiple fronts: Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism, Bangladesh’s border tensions, China’s territorial encroachments in Ladakh and Arunachal, and Turkey’s anti-India lobbying in Islamic forums. Add to this European sanctions pressure over Russia ties and America’s tariff wars—divided leadership invites exploitation. Trump’s behaviour signals a unipolar America First agenda that views allies as subordinates, much like European powers once did during colonial times. Internal squabbling weakens India’s negotiating leverage, emboldens enemies, and risks economic isolation. At this juncture, petty politics must yield patriotism. War remains the last resort, but unity is our first line of defence. Every Indian, regardless of party or ideology, must rally behind the government to counter these multi-front pressures.
Jai Bharat.
(Author is Editorial Advisor, The Chancellor)
