Former MoS for External Affairs MJ Akbar has called the 50% US tariffs on Indian goods a short-sighted show of power that will ultimately weaken America. He criticised President Trump’s approach as a policy of “overkill” and said it reflects a lack of trust in allies. Akbar praised Prime Minister Modi for standing firm and not giving in to what he called a “flattery tax.” He questioned the selective targeting of India, asking why countries like Germany and China—who also buy Russian energy—are not penalised. He said the tariff move has unintentionally revived India-China ties, with positive geopolitical impact. Akbar also downplayed the economic impact on India, calling the trade damage minimal and the US’s justification weak under factual scrutiny.