‘Dead economy’ jibe returns as Rahul Gandhi flags impact of 50% US tariffs on textiles: 'Modi ji, you are accountable...'

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

• Rahul Gandhi criticizes Modi over US tariffs hurting India's textile exporters
• He highlights job losses, factory shutdowns, and reduced orders in the sector
• India and US are negotiating to resolve trade tensions and steep tariffs

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while highlighting the impact of US tariffs on India’s textile exporters.

The leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha posted a video on X capturing moments from his recent visit to a garment factory in Haryana, where he observed the skill of Indian tailors and the determination and ambition of workers firsthand.

Sharing the video on X, the Congress leader wrote, “50 per cent US tariffs and uncertainty are badly hurting India’s textile exporters. Job losses, factory shutdowns and reduced orders are a reality of our 'Dead Economy'.”

"Mr. Modi has offered no relief or even spoken about tariffs, even though more than 4.5 crore jobs and lakhs of businesses are at stake. Modi ji, you are accountable; please direct your attention to this matter!" he said, using the hashtag TINA -- 'There is No Accountability'."

India's textile industry is the second largest employer in the Indian economy -- the textiles are loved worldwide, and the craftsmanship of tailors is truly unparalleled, the Congress leader observed. Yet today, this industry is facing deep uncertainty and fear because of US tariffs, he said.

50% US tariffs and uncertainty are badly hurting India’s textile exporters. Job losses, factory shutdowns and reduced orders are a reality of our ‘Dead Economy’.

Mr. Modi has offered no relief or even spoken about tariffs, even though more than 4.5 crore jobs and lakhs of… pic.twitter.com/5BcG3AZibg — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 23, 2026

Gandhi’s comments come at a time when New Delhi and Washington are locked in intense negotiations to break a long-running trade impasse marked by steep tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and disputes in the energy and agriculture sectors.

Relations have been under strain since the Trump administration slapped cumulative tariffs of 50 per cent on a majority of Indian exports, including on India’s engagement with Russia and its participation in BRICS.

"With 50 per cent tariffs in the US, falling prices in Europe, and fierce competition from Bangladesh and China, our garment and textile exporters are facing pressure from all sides," Gandhi said.

This is having a direct impact on jobs – units are closing, procurement is decreasing, and there is widespread turmoil across the entire sector, he stated.

He stressed that it is imperative that India secures a US trade deal that puts Indian businesses and Indian workers first.

"PM Modi must not allow his own weakness to impact our economy, any further," Gandhi added.