‘Kept Quiet on Insults’ party has launched a fresh attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of remaining silent in the face of what it calls “insults” to India by former US President Donald Trump. The sharp remarks came after Trump, during a recent statement, announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods — a move that has stirred political and economic debate.
Congress leaders allege that the PM’s muted response reflects a failure to defend India’s honour on the global stage, while the government maintains that trade issues are being addressed through diplomatic channels.
💬 Congress Accuses PM Modi of Weak Response : ‘Kept Quiet on Insults
Speaking at a press conference, Congress spokespersons criticised the Prime Minister for not publicly challenging Trump’s comments or the tariff decision. ‘Kept Quiet on Insults
“When the country’s trade interests and dignity are at stake, the Prime Minister cannot afford to remain a mute spectator,” one leader said. “This is yet another example of the PM prioritising optics over substance in foreign policy.”
Congress also linked this incident to previous occasions when Trump made controversial remarks about India, including claims of mediating in India-Pakistan disputes — which New Delhi had officially denied.
📈 The Tariff Announcement — What Happened
In his latest comments, Donald Trump proposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods as part of a broader protectionist trade agenda. He claimed the measure was aimed at balancing trade and protecting US industries.
While the tariff proposal is currently tied to Trump’s political campaign promises, it has triggered concern among Indian exporters, especially in sectors like textiles, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, and IT services. ‘Kept Quiet on Insults’
🌏 US-India Trade Relations — A History of Ups and Downs
The US is one of India’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding $190 billion in 2023. However, the relationship has been marked by periodic disputes over tariffs, market access, and trade balances.
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2019: The US withdrew India’s preferential trade status under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).
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India’s Response: Imposed retaliatory tariffs on 28 US products.
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Current Concerns: A new wave of tariffs could reignite trade tensions and hurt India’s export growth.
⚖️ Political Ramifications in India : ‘Kept Quiet on Insults’
With national elections approaching, the Congress party is framing this as a leadership issue. They argue that PM Modi’s close association with Trump during his presidency, highlighted by events like the “Howdy Modi” rally in Houston, has not translated into tangible benefits for India’s trade interests. ‘Kept Quiet on Insults’
Political analysts suggest that the opposition will likely continue using Trump’s remarks and tariffs as campaign ammunition to question the Modi government’s foreign policy effectiveness.
🏭 Economic Impact of a 25% Tariff :‘Kept Quiet on Insults’
If implemented, the 25% tariff could:
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Reduce India’s competitiveness in the US market.
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Hurt export-driven sectors such as textiles, gems, jewellery, and IT services. ‘Kept Quiet on Insults’
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Force Indian companies to look for alternative markets in Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Economists warn that retaliatory tariffs from India could escalate into a trade war scenario, affecting both economies.
📢 Government’s Likely Strategy
The Indian government is expected to pursue a diplomatic dialogue with Washington to address the concerns. Trade officials may seek negotiations to either soften or remove tariff proposals, highlighting mutual benefits of the economic relationship.
However, so far, there has been no official public statement from the Prime Minister’s Office on Trump’s specific remarks, which is exactly what Congress has seized upon in its criticism. ‘Kept Quiet on Insults’
🏁 Conclusion
The 25% tariff proposal by Donald Trump has reopened old wounds in the US-India trade relationship and handed the Congress party a fresh political talking point against PM Modi. While the actual implementation of the tariff depends on US political outcomes, the opposition’s charge — that the Prime Minister has “kept quiet on insults” — ensures that the controversy will remain in the political spotlight for weeks to come.
Whether the Modi government can balance diplomatic tact with domestic political expectations will
determine how this episode shapes public perception ahead of the elections.
