Union Minister Nitin Gadkari remarked that countries engaging in “dadagiri” (bullying) on the global stage do so because of their economic strength and technological superiority.
His comments come amid India facing its steepest-ever tariffs imposed by the United States. Addressing students at the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) in Nagpur on Saturday, Gadkari emphasized the need for India to boost exports, reduce imports, and leverage science and technology to achieve self-reliance. He said, “Those indulging in ‘dadagiri’ are economically strong and technologically advanced. If we acquire better technology and resources, we will not need to bully anyone, as our culture prioritizes the welfare of the world.”
Gadkari’s remarks follow a recent escalation in trade tensions after US President Donald Trump signed an order on August 6 imposing an additional 25 percent duty on Indian goods. This hike takes the total tariff on Indian products to 50 percent, making India one of the most heavily taxed trading partners in US history. Industries including textiles, gems, pharmaceuticals, and auto parts are among those severely affected.
The White House linked the increased penalties to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil — a policy New Delhi defends as vital to its energy security. This development has triggered the sharpest diplomatic rift between the two countries in two decades, with Washington suspending trade talks and threatening further sanctions.
In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a pointed message widely seen as directed at the US administration, affirming that India will never compromise on the welfare of its farmers, fishermen, and dairy workers, even if it means “paying a heavy price.”
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