Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has lambasted the PM Narendra Modi-led government over the imposition of 50% tariffs by US President Donald Trump, which came into effect at 9:31 AM IST today, August 27. In an “open letter” to PM Modi on X (formerly Twitter), he accused the Prime Minister of pursuing “superficial Foreign Policy” engagements that failed to “protect India”. As a result, he warned that the country will suffer losses of Rs 2.17 lakh crore across 10 key sectors due to what he termed the “first jolt of tariffs”.

‘Abki Baar, Trump Sarkar’ jibe

“Your dear friend ‘Abki Baar, Trump Sarkar’ has imposed 50% Tariffs on India, starting today,” he wrote, before adding that the farmers are “badly hit”. 

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He also reminded PM Modi of his promise, where he said that he would pay any “personal price” to protect farmers, pointing out that he did “absolutely nothing” to shield them from the blow.  

“Our farmers, especially cotton farmers, are badly hit. You had said you are ready to pay any ‘personal price’ to protect them, but you have done absolutely nothing to soften the blow and protect their livelihoods,” he went on to say.

Tariffs to hit 66% of Indian exports to US: GTRI 

The Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha also quoted data from the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), which suggests that the tariffs would impact India’s GDP while benefiting China at the same time. GTRI data suggests that around 66 per cent of India’s total exports to the US, approximately $86.5 billion (Rs 7.59 lakh crore), would be affected. It is estimated to come down to $49.6 billion (Rs 4.33 lakh crore) in FY 2026. 

GTRI analysed that although 30 per cent of exports would continue to be duty-free and 4 per cent would attract a 25 per cent tariff, 66 per cent, comprising apparel, textiles, gems & jewellery, shrimp, carpets, and furniture, would be subject to a 50% tariff. Kharge said this would lead to “massive job losses in several export-oriented industries, especially MSMEs,” and stressed that the full extent of the damage was only beginning to unfold.

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“Several export-oriented important sectors, including MSMEs, will experience massive job losses. A snapshot – which is just a tip of the iceberg- reveals that,” he further added, before listing sectors which would be impacted. 

He went on to say, “Indian National interest is supreme,” before adding, “A robust Foreign Policy needs substance and deft.”

He then shifted the blame to PM Modi’s “superficial Foreign Policy engagements” and said that his “smiles, hugs and selfies have hurt our interests”. 

He ended it by saying that the PM “failed” in securing a trade deal with the US and has now been “failing to protect our country”. 

Goods exempted from additional tariffs

Indian goods already shipped or en route to the US before 12:01 am (EDT) on August 27 have been exempted from the newly imposed additional tariff. However, to qualify for this relief, the shipments must be cleared for use in the US or withdrawn from a warehouse before 12:01 am (EDT) on September 17, 2025. Importers are also required to declare this exemption by notifying US Customs with the special code HTSUS 9903.01.85.