Thu Jul 31 21:27:52 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

BSP president Mayawati has criticized the United States’ newly imposed trade tariffs on Indian goods and penalties on oil imports from Russia. She urged the Indian government to protect the interests of farmers and small businesses and to use this challenge as an opportunity to become self-reliant by empowering the workforce through policy changes. President Trump had announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods and an additional penalty on oil imports from Russia.

**News Article:**

**Mayawati Slams US Trade Tariffs, Urges Self-Reliance for India**

**Lucknow, August 1, 2025:** Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati has strongly criticized the newly imposed trade tariffs by the United States, calling on the Indian government to prioritize the protection of its national interests, particularly the welfare of farmers and small businesses.

President Donald Trump announced on July 30th that a 25% tariff would be levied on Indian goods starting August 1st, along with an unspecified “penalty” for importing oil from Russia. Mayawati responded via social media platform X, stating that this economic pressure, despite the US being considered a “friendly” nation, should be met with resilience and seen as an opportunity for India to become more self-reliant.

“The country hopes the Union Government will live up to the assurance that no section, especially small and medium enterprises and the agricultural sector, will be adversely affected,” Ms. Mayawati wrote.

The former four-time U.P. Chief Minister emphasized India’s potential, citing its large workforce as a valuable resource. She suggested that with appropriate policies focused on providing employment, India could achieve prosperity, self-reliance, and the Constitutional objective of welfare for all.

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