Trump has created world record of ‘tariff terrorism’: Baba Ramdev
In a scathing attack on US President Donald Trump, yoga guru and Patanjali co-founder Baba Ramdev has dubbed him as the creator of a new world record – “tariff terrorism”. Ramdev has criticized Trump for threatening poor and developing nations, calling it a form of “economic terrorism” and “intellectual colonisation”.
The controversy surrounds Trump’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including India, which will come into effect from April 2. The move has been met with widespread criticism from various quarters, with many arguing that it will harm bilateral trade and have a negative impact on the global economy.
Baba Ramdev, known for his strong views on social and economic issues, has weighed in on the controversy, saying that Trump’s actions are a blatant disregard for democratic values and a threat to the global economy. “He has created a new world record of ‘tariff terrorism’,” Ramdev said in an interview. “He has ripped off democracy by threatening poor and developing nations. This is economic terrorism, a form of intellectual colonisation.”
Ramdev’s comments came as a response to Trump’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from several countries, including India. The move is seen as a retaliatory measure against countries that the US claims have not done enough to reduce their trade deficits with the country.
However, critics argue that the tariffs will have a disproportionate impact on developing nations, which rely heavily on exports to the US. India, in particular, has seen a significant increase in trade tensions with the US in recent months, with the two countries imposing tariffs on each other’s goods.
Baba Ramdev’s comments have sparked a heated debate on social media, with many supporting his views and calling out Trump’s actions as “bullying” and “Protectionist”. Others have criticized Ramdev for his strong language, saying that it is not constructive to use such terms to describe another country’s actions.
However, Ramdev’s concerns about the impact of Trump’s tariffs on developing nations are well-founded. The tariffs will not only increase the cost of imports for American consumers but also hit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries that rely on exports to the US.
The impact of Trump’s tariffs on India’s economy has been particularly severe. The country’s exports to the US have been declining in recent months, with the trade deficit widening to $21.6 billion in 2018. The tariffs will not only increase the cost of Indian goods but also make them less competitive in the global market.
Furthermore, the tariffs will also have a negative impact on India’s rural economy, which relies heavily on agriculture exports. The country’s farmers are already struggling due to a severe drought and a decline in crop prices, and the tariffs will only add to their woes.
In conclusion, Baba Ramdev’s comments about Trump’s tariffs being a form of “tariff terrorism” and “intellectual colonisation” are well-founded. The tariffs will have a disproportionate impact on developing nations, including India, and are a clear example of economic bullying. As the world moves towards a more interconnected and globalized economy, it is essential that nations work together to promote free and fair trade, rather than resorting to protectionist measures that harm the global economy.
