‘Boycott American products’: Ramdev’s desi counter to Trump's 50% tariffs on India

Baba Ramdev

A day after the Trump administration imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, Yoga guru Ramdev, hitting out at the US administration, called for a complete boycott of American brands and companies.

Speaking to the media, Ramdev urged Indians to stop buying US brands like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, McDonald's, KFC, and Apple, advocating for the adoption of "Swadeshi" (Indian-made) goods.

He further criticized Trump’s tariffs as “tariff terrorism” and “economic terrorism,” accusing the US President of bullying India and engaging in a form of intellectual colonization.

He expressed confidence in India’s ability to overcome trade challenges by becoming a global manufacturing hub and emphasized national pride, stating that Indians should unite to resist foreign economic pressure and prioritize self-reliance.

Ramdev's comments came hours after US President Donald Trump's doubling of tariffs on imports from India to as much as 50 per cent took effect as scheduled on Wednesday, delivering a serious blow to ties between two powerful democracies that had in recent decades become strategic partners.

A punitive 25 per cent tariff, imposed due to India's purchases of Russian oil, was added to Trump's prior 25 per cent tariff on many imports from the South Asian nation.

Ramdev warned that a “massive boycott” could trigger economic chaos in America, leading to inflationary pressures that might compel President Trump to reverse his tariff decision. He further framed the boycott as both an act of economic resistance and patriotic duty, demanding that Indian consumers embrace “Swadeshi” (locally made) goods over multinational corporations.

Industry experts suggest that the Trump tariffs are likely to hit Indian exporters hard. Especially in textiles, gems and jewellery, and auto components, where the US market makes up a significant revenue stream. Yet the boycott, if widely followed, could also have a substantial impact on American giants with a foothold in India, from fast food brands to tech and consumer goods companies.