India Must Fight Trump's WTO Destruction: Congress
Congress slams India's silence on US tariff assault.
The Congress party has sharply criticized the Indian government for remaining a “mute spectator” as US President Donald Trump undermines global institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and World Health Organization (WHO). Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X, accused Trump of delivering a fatal blow to the WTO, dismantling the rules-based multilateral trading system that the US once championed.
“During Trump-I, the WTO was dealt heavy blows. In Trump-II, it has been destroyed,” Ramesh stated, highlighting the US’s shift to unilateral trade decisions and bilateral negotiations. He also noted Trump’s withdrawal from the WHO, Paris Climate Agreement, and UNESCO, urging India to actively defend its stakes in these critical global frameworks instead of relying on “slogans and acronyms.”
The remarks follow Trump’s executive order imposing a 25% tariff on Indian exports to the US, effective August 7, 2025, as part of duties targeting nearly 70 countries. Trump’s Truth Social post on Wednesday also hinted at an unspecified penalty for India’s purchases of Russian military equipment and energy, though the order omits details. In April, Trump had proposed a 26% tariff, slightly higher than the current rate.
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India’s Ministry of Commerce responded by pledging to safeguard national interests and examine the tariffs’ implications, emphasizing ongoing efforts to secure a fair bilateral trade agreement with the US. The Congress’s critique underscores growing concerns over India’s passive stance amid escalating global trade tensions and the erosion of multilateral institutions, which could impact Indian exporters and the broader economy.
Ramesh called for proactive diplomacy to counter the US’s aggressive trade policies, warning that India’s silence risks long-term economic and strategic setbacks. As the tariff deadline looms, India faces mounting pressure to navigate this new trade landscape while protecting its global standing.
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