Left hits out at US President attempt to 'dictate', asks PM Modi to stand up to counter

New Delhi: The Left parties on Thursday hit out at US President Donald Trump for imposing 50% tariffs on India and said he was trying to dictate to the rest of the world. CPI(M) and CPI urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stand up to Trump's attempt to pressure India and insult its people.

"I think it is absolutely intolerable in today's world that a dictator is sitting in the United States of America and dictating to the rest of the world. He has no business dictating to India and trying to insult the people of India. It is unacceptable and I condemn it," said Brinda Karat, CPI(M) polit bureau member. "It is regrettable that the leader of India is silent on such insults. Modi's deafening silence shows he is actually not playing the role that is expected of the prime minister in the face of such an insult to India from Trump."

CPI general secretary D Raja said, "This action is an outright violation of the sovereign right of our country to conduct independent trade and business... India must explore alternative arrangements to safeguard our industries, protect workers, and ensure energy security..."