New Delhi, Feb 21: A fresh political storm erupted on Friday after Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the wake of a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States on global tariffs introduced by former US President Donald Trump.
Reacting to the US court’s decision striking down the sweeping tariffs, Gandhi renewed his criticism of the India–US interim trade deal and accused the Prime Minister of weakening India’s negotiating position.
Taking to X, Gandhi wrote, “The PM is compromised. His betrayal now stands exposed. He can’t renegotiate. He will surrender again,” escalating his attack on the government’s trade diplomacy.
US Court Strikes Down Tariffs
In a 6–3 verdict, the US Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration had exceeded its authority by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977 to impose broad-based import tariffs. The judgment stated that the law did not grant unlimited powers to introduce global trade barriers under emergency provisions.
Calling the ruling a “terrible decision,” Trump responded by announcing plans to sign an executive order imposing a 10 percent global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The provision permits the US President to introduce a temporary import surcharge of up to 15 percent for 150 days to tackle balance-of-payments deficits.
Opposition Questions Timing of Trade Deal
The controversy quickly snowballed in India, with Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena (UBT) also questioning the Centre’s strategy. She asked why India chose to finalise an interim trade arrangement without waiting for clarity from the US Supreme Court.
In her post, Chaturvedi pointed out that following the court’s intervention, trade now faces a 10 percent tariff, while US imports into India reportedly continue at zero percent. She praised Brazil for maintaining what she described as trade sovereignty despite facing steep tariff pressures.
“Wonder why India rushed into a deal, giving up on energy purchase decisions and farmers’ interests, rather than waiting for the US Supreme Court verdict? The trade is at 10% tariff now after the court intervention, but US imports to India remain at 0%. Well done Brazil for standing tall despite being among the highest tariffed nations. The US court decision is a vindication,” she said.
Debate Over Energy and Strategic Leverage
Chaturvedi also criticised the government’s stance on Russian oil purchases, suggesting that India may have limited its flexibility under the interim agreement.
Referring to reports, she said that China continues to buy discounted Russian oil while remaining at a 10 percent tariff level, whereas India may have compromised its leverage in exchange for what she termed a “historic 18% tariff.”
The developments have intensified the political debate over India’s global trade positioning and strategic autonomy. While the government has maintained that its trade decisions are guided by national interest and long-term economic goals, opposition leaders argue that recent events have exposed vulnerabilities in the negotiating approach.
