‘Humara customer phas gaya’: On Trump tariffs, Congress’ Mallikarjun Kharge quips at PM Modi | Today News (2025)

Amid the US tariff row, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said that "hugs and talks" between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi show that "America is a businessman".

"Aur wo humara customer phas gaya [and our customers are getting trapped]," Kharge said while mentioning that his party would release a detailed statement on the issue.

Kharge's comment came after the Trump administration imposed a 26 per cent "reciprocal tariff" on India. Sources told news agency ANI that the Congress party will raise the issue during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha.

When asked to comment on the Trump tariff row, Kharge said, “... The friendship between them [US President Trump and PM Modi] and the way they embrace each other and talk and now these tariffs. It shows that America [Donald Trump] is a businessman. Aur wo humara customer phas gaya.”

Meanwhile, Congress MP Manish Tewari also criticised the BJP-led Centre after the US government imposed 26 per cent 'reciprocal tariffs' on India. He said this represents an "abject failure" of the negotiations between the two governments.

"It represents an abject failure of the negotiations that were taking place between the US and the Government of India. The US has imposed tariffs, expelled our students, and cancelled visas without any provocation, and the government is absolutely silent... The government needs to develop a spine and stand up to the US," Tewari told ANI.

Congress MP Randeep Surjewala also questioned the Modi government over their "silence" and "inaction" on 'reciprocal tariffs.

Taking to a social media post on X, Surjewala said, "The 27% Tariffs by US on India are effective wednesday, April 3rd, 2025 ! Electronics & Communication, Pharmaceuticals, Machinery & Computer, Chemicals, Apparel, Yarn & Carpets, Fish, meat & Processed Sea Food, God & Jewellery and ..... many other Sectors to be impacted. Where is Modi Govt ? Where are Finance & Commerce Min.? Why is PM silent? Why are they 'missing in action' again? #USTariffWar. (sic)"

Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "great friend," Trump said that India charges the US 52 per cent, and "we charge them almost nothing."

At the event, Trump said, "India very, very tough. The Prime Minister just left and is a great friend of mine, but you are not treating us right. They charge us 52 per cent, and we charge them almost nothing..."

(With inputs from agencies)

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