Left-wing political groups have fiercely criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose a 50 percent tariff on Indian exports. Calling the move a clear act of intimidation, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) demanded that the Indian government defend its independent economic and foreign policies.
In a statement issued from Delhi, the CPI(M) Polit Bureau described the tariff hike as “authoritarian and coercive,” accusing the U.S. of pressuring India to cut trade ties with Russia. Ironically, the party pointed out, both the U.S. and European Union continue their own commercial dealings with Russia.
The CPI(M) urged the Centre to take firm measures to safeguard the interests of Indian exporters, warning that the increased tariffs would negatively impact their livelihoods. The party also encouraged its local units to stage protests opposing what it called unjust economic aggression.
CPI General Secretary D. Raja condemned the use of trade as a political weapon, stating that such actions undermine India’s sovereign right to set its own foreign and economic priorities. He emphasized that attempts to force independent nations into compliance reflect a regressive and exclusionary global agenda driven by Washington.
Mr. Raja further criticized India’s growing alignment with the U.S., especially through alliances like the Quad, warning that this could pose long-term strategic risks. He insisted that India must resist foreign pressure and continue to chart an autonomous path in global affairs.