Puri, Odisha – Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on August 29 accused the United States of attempting to “bully” India with the imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian imports. Speaking after offering prayers at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, Tamang urged the public to back Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vocal for Local” initiative, aimed at strengthening India’s domestic economy and reducing reliance on foreign products.
Key Highlights from Tamang’s Remarks:
Tamang described the U.S. tariffs as an attempt to “bully” India but assured that India would not bow to foreign pressure.
He emphasized that the path forward for India lies in increasing self-reliance and supporting local industries.
“America is trying to bully India, but we will continue to work for the welfare of our people,” Tamang said, reaffirming India’s commitment to self-sufficiency.
Background on U.S. Tariffs:
Tamang’s comments come in the wake of the U.S. imposing tariffs on Indian goods, partly due to India’s growing role in refining and re-exporting Russian oil. U.S. trade adviser Peter Navarro had also criticized India for allegedly helping Russia bypass international sanctions, further fueling tensions between the two nations.
Tamang’s Call for Domestic Growth:
In response to the mounting pressure, Tamang urged the Indian public to rally behind the “Vocal for Local” campaign, focusing on boosting domestic products and promoting self-reliance. He pointed out that India’s future success lies in empowering local industries and rejecting foreign pressure.
Despite the U.S.’s criticism, particularly over India’s trade relations with Russia, Tamang highlighted that countries like China, which have a far larger trade relationship with Russia, are not facing similar economic sanctions from the U.S.
A Strong Message for Self-Reliance:
Tamang concluded by reaffirming the need for India to prioritize local businesses and industries, ensuring economic strength and self-sufficiency, as India faces external challenges. The Chief Minister’s remarks were a clarion call for national unity and resilience in the face of foreign economic measures.
