CPM protests against Trump for imposing tariffs on India

The Shimla district committee of the CPM today staged a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office against tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. The party also held a rally in Shimla, followed by a public meeting that was addressed by former Theog MLA and CPM leader Rakesh Singha.

Singha, while addressing the rally, said that Trump was intimidating those countries that did not accept America’s trade terms by using the “terror” of tariffs. “Countries that do not enter trade agreements to protect US commercial interests are being coerced by arbitrary duties on goods they export, making those goods expensive in the American market. This causes heavy losses to producer countries while benefiting the US economy,” he added.

“Agricultural products, horticultural produce, textiles, fish, diamonds, leather goods and goods produced by micro, small and medium enterprises are exported from India to the USA. If a 50 per cent duty is applied, these items will become very expensive, turning exports into loss-making deals. The production of these goods will fall and many factories will be closed. This will harm the national economy and increase unemployment because those employed in these sectors will lose their jobs,” said Singha.

He accused the Central Government of steadily turning India’s independent foreign policy into pro-American. “Strategic agreements have been signed with the USA and as a result the Central Government is acting according to American strategy and has become a junior partner of the US. India has shaped its foreign policy under American interests,” he added.