Siddaramaiah Slams Trump's Trade Tariffs, Targets Modi's Diplomacy

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah criticizes US President Trump's 50% tariff on Indian goods as 'economic blackmail,' blaming PM Modi's focus on headlines over diplomacy. Supporting Rahul Gandhi's warnings, he calls for safeguarding India's interests, highlighting Modi's attempts to appease Trump with efforts seen as 'surrender.'

In a direct attack on both international and domestic fronts, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized US President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian goods, labeling it 'economic blackmail.' Siddaramaiah attributed the situation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on 'headline management' over meaningful diplomacy and national interest.

Backing the words of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who denounced Trump's moves as coercive, Siddaramaiah asserted that the Modi government had disregarded Gandhi's foresight on various issues, including global trade tensions. He accused Modi of attempting to please Trump without yielding substantial diplomatic benefits for India.

Siddaramaiah highlighted Modi's outreach efforts to Trump, including the 'Howdy Modi' event and 'Namaste Trump' rally, which he deemed acts of appeasement rather than diplomacy. Furthermore, Siddaramaiah raised concerns about Trump's unfavorable actions towards India, suggesting these as challenges to India's sovereignty and foreign policy integrity.

(With inputs from agencies.)