The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) Andhra Pradesh State Committee recently convened a two-day meeting in Vijayawada. During the event, a significant book titled ‘Trump’s Tariff War on India’ was launched by State Secretary V. Srinivasa Rao, setting the stage for a strong critique of prevailing political and economic issues.
Speaking passionately at the gathering, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member B.V. Raghavulu did not mince words, delivering a sharp rebuke to both the U.S. administration and India’s ruling NDA government. He asserted that the U.S.’s decision to impose a substantial 50% tariff on Indian products, coupled with an additional 25% levy on Russian oil imports, represented a direct affront to India’s national sovereignty. Raghavulu emphasized that every nation possesses the fundamental right to choose its import sources for essential goods. He characterized U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions as outright coercion, lamenting that the Central government had seemingly faltered in delivering a firm and resolute response. He pointed out that even smaller nations have demonstrated greater courage in standing up to U.S. pressure.
Raghavulu warned that these escalated tariffs would unleash devastating consequences across crucial sectors in Andhra Pradesh, specifically naming aquaculture, jewellery, and automobile manufacturing. Furthermore, he highlighted the significant obstacles created by restrictions on H-1B visas, which are severely affecting Indian students and professionals. He pledged the CPI(M)’s unwavering commitment to continue its vigorous opposition to these “unilateral measures.”
Turning his criticism towards domestic politics, Raghavulu took a direct jab at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. He noted Naidu’s pride in Telugu talent dominating Silicon Valley, contrasting it sharply with his silence on the pressing H-1B visa restrictions. Raghavulu urged the TDP and JSP to exert considerable pressure on the Centre to resist these U.S. dictates. He also accused the YSRCP of a “conspicuous silence” on the matter, demanding that its chief, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, cease his unquestioning support for the BJP.