New Delhi: India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has delivered a sharp critique of the tariffs recently imposed by the United States under President Donald Trump, suggesting that some countries are envious of India’s rapid economic growth and are attempting to hinder its global trade competitiveness.
Speaking at an event in Madhya Pradesh, Rajnath Singh remarked, “Some consider themselves the ‘boss’ of the world and cannot digest how quickly India is developing.” The US has imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian imports, comprising a 25 percent general duty and an additional 25 percent penalty linked to India’s continued oil imports from Russia.
Addressing these measures, the minister asserted that attempts to raise prices of Indian exports to discourage buyers will not succeed. He expressed confidence that no global power can prevent India from emerging as a superpower given its current trajectory.
#WATCH Raisen, Madhya Pradesh: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "There are some people who are not happy with the speed at which India is developing. They are not liking it. 'Sabke boss toh hum hain', how is India growing at such a fast pace? And many are trying that the… pic.twitter.com/kucYjXnNNX
— ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2025
Rajnath Singh underscored the significant growth of India’s economy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership since 2014, highlighting that India has risen from the 11th largest economy to being among the world’s top four. He also pointed to the surge in defence exports, which have grown from ₹600 crore in 2014 to over Rs 24,000 crore today, marking a key milestone for the ‘New India’ vision.
India has termed the US tariffs as “unfair and inconsistent,” clarifying that its oil imports from Russia are essential for energy security and driven by market dynamics. The tariff dispute has led to a pause in bilateral trade negotiations.
Experts warn that ongoing tensions may have a significant adverse impact on Indian exports globally, posing challenges to the country’s trade relations and economic growth.