Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has sharply criticized the United States’ tariff policies, calling them unfair and harmful to large sections of the Indian workforce. He claims roughly 1.35 lakh (135,000) jobs have been lost in industries like gems & jewellery in Surat, seafood, and various manufacturing sectors since the U.S. raised its import duties. 

The tariffs include a base 25% duty along with an additional 25% penalty tied to India’s oil imports from Russia, totaling a 50% tariff in many affected categories. Tharoor described this as “very very negative impact” that has rendered many Indian exports unviable, especially when competitors from other countries face lower trade barriers.

Beyond job losses, Tharoor is sounding an alarm about the broader strain on India-US relations. He also told that when economic policy becomes surprise, and tariffs are imposed without warning or reciprocity, it undermines mutual trust.

As a solution, Tharoor argues that India must diversify its export markets rather than depending heavily on the U.S. He also suggested reviving diplomatic channels high-level talks, trade negotiations, perhaps revisiting bilateral agreements to offset the damage. 

For many small exporters and workers, the next few months will be critical. Will there be relief? Will India succeed in finding new markets quickly? These are questions now front and centre in many households affected by job losses and economic uncertainty.