The ongoing global trade wars, initiated by US President Donald Trump, have sparked significant concerns across the world. Trump’s approach to imposing tariffs on various nations has led to accusations of economic coercion. Among the most vocal critics are Indian yoga guru and entrepreneur Baba Ramdev, who has labelled Trump’s policies as ‘tariff terrorism.’ He argues that the Republican leader has established a new world record of using economic threats to manipulate developing nations.
“Economic terrorism”
Baba Ramdev has also raised alarms over what he calls a ‘new era of intellectual colonization.’ According to him, Trump’s trade policies represent more than just economic disputes; they symbolise a deeper effort to dominate the world through financial and ideological control. He warns that these tactics are undermining democracy and destabilising global economic balance. Ramdev has equated Trump’s actions with ‘economic terrorism,’ emphasising that they create unfair pressure on weaker nations.
In response to these global challenges, Baba Ramdev has called upon Indians to unite and focus on strengthening the country’s economic standing. He urges India to develop its own industries and reduce dependence on foreign markets, thereby countering any external economic pressures. According to Ramdev, a strong and self-sufficient India is the best answer to what he perceives as destructive international forces.
“There is a new era of intellectual colonization. Amid this, ever since Donald Trump rose to power, he created a new world record of ‘tariff terrorism’. He has ripped off democracy by threatening poor and developing nations… This is ‘economic terrorism’… He is taking the world to a different era… In such a case, India needs to develop… All Indians should unite to build a strong nation and answer all these destructive powers,” says Ramdev.
Speaking in Nagpur at the inauguration of Patanjali’s mega food and herbal park, Baba Ramdev highlighted the importance of indigenous business growth. The new facility, set to be Asia’s largest orange processing unit, has secured an investment of Rs 1,500 crore.
While Trump has not imposed specific tariffs on India recently, his broader trade policies continue to pose a potential threat. The reciprocal tariffs are set to take effect in April 2025.