Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Friday said that India cannot remain a “mute spectator” while U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated tariff threats against multiple countries, including India, are “destroying” the multilateral trading system built under the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Highlighting India’s significant stake in global institutions and international agreements, Ramesh noted that Trump has already “gutted” the World Health Organisation (WHO) and withdrawn the U.S. from key accords like the Paris Climate Agreement and UNESCO.
“The WTO was dealt very heavy blows during Trump’s first term. Now, during Trump II, it has been destroyed. The rules-based, multilateral trading system—established with the U.S. itself playing a leadership role—has been dismantled. The American approach now is to negotiate, if at all, bilaterally, but ultimately act unilaterally,” Ramesh said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“India has the highest stakes in such international institutions and agreements. It cannot remain a mute spectator and be content with merely coining slogans and acronyms,” he added.
Ramesh’s remarks came in response to Trump’s latest move imposing a 25% tariff on Indian goods, along with a threat to levy further penalties for India’s oil purchases from Russia.
Meanwhile, the Indian government on Thursday told Parliament that it is closely monitoring the developments and will take all necessary measures to protect national interests.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the ministry is in consultation with exporters, industries, and all stakeholders to assess the situation comprehensively.
“The government gives utmost priority to safeguarding the welfare of farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, industrialists, exporters, MSMEs, and all stakeholders in the industrial sector. We will take all necessary steps to defend our national interest,” Goyal stated.
He added, “The government is confident that India will continue its rapid and inclusive growth trajectory toward the goal of a developed nation by 2047. With self-reliance as our foundation, India moves forward with confidence.” (Agencies)
