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AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal wrote to President Trump, rebutting his “dead economy” remark and urging dialogue over trade. Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Indian goods.
US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance (AP Photo)
While Indians are outraged over Donald Trump’s repeated attacks against India, a Rajya Sabha MP decided to write a letter to the US President, calling for a dialogue over trade.
In an “open letter” to Trump, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Ashok Kumar Mittal rebutted his “dead economy” remark and said India’s economy is the fourth largest in the world and is soon to be third.
Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order to impose additional 25% tariffs on Indian goods over the purchase of Russian oil, taking the total levies to 50%. India called Trump’s move “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable” and said that it will take all necessary steps to protect its interests.
Punjab MP Ashok Kumar Mittal writes to US President Donald Trump, warning of the impact if 146 crore Indians restrict U.S. businesses. pic.twitter.com/fjPJs5s1DI— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 7, 2025
Mittal further pointed out that American companies generate USD 80+ billion annually from the Indian market across education, tech, finance, and IP.
He also emphasised the role of Indian techies, saying the US digital economy runs on code-much of it written in India.
“For two nations that have a long strategic, values-based partnership, this move is deeply disappointing…India’s position as the third-largest air transport market holds deep strategic value for the U.S., with deals worth $2.45 billion signed in 2022 alone,” he stated.
“Mr. President, let us choose dialogue over discord, coordination over coercion. Let us shape the future through respect, resolve, and renewed commitment to a rules-based global order,” he added.
Mittal’s colleague in AAP and MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney called out the US over “double standards” over Russian oil.
“It was under US pressure that we imported oil from Russia after the US sanctioned Iran… Whatever oil we import, we process it, and European countries buy it from us. They fully know the origin of this crude oil. The US itself is buying uranium from Russia… So they cannot have these double standards… Let’s hope good sense prevails on President Trump,” he said.
Singh highlighted that the primary impact of this 50% tariff will be on India’s MSME sector and warned of revenue and job losses. “We have to pass through these turbulent times. Dialogue must continue… In the meantime, we must diversify,” he said.
(with inputs from agencies)
Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter –twitter.com/saurabhkverma19
Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter –twitter.com/saurabhkverma19
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