**Kamal Haasan Criticizes US Tariffs on Indian Exports as New Imperialism**
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has strongly condemned the United States for its recent imposition of tariffs on Indian exports, labeling them a “new imperial tool.” He has called for immediate relief measures to support domestic industries affected by these tariffs. In a post on social media platform X, the leader of the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) party stated, “Trumpets, tariffs, empires – all loud, all temporary. India bows to none.” He also referenced a 1925 cartoon that has gained attention during the current tariff dispute, which predicted the rise of China, India, and Africa.
Haasan expressed his views, stating, “Today, the United States has once again reminded us that in the world of western realpolitik, punishment often masquerades as principle. For centuries, India endured the depredations of empire, but we did not break. Now, tariffs are wielded as the new imperial tool, sanctions in disguise, selectively imposed because we dared to secure our own energy needs instead of genuflecting before a narrow Euro-centric global order.”
He criticized the 50 percent tariffs on Indian exporters as a “political cudgel” that is unrelated to trade or the situation in Ukraine, arguing that these measures are intended to undermine India’s resolve. Haasan contrasted the treatment of India with that of China, noting that while tariffs on China are applied subtly, those on India are aggressive. He emphasized that India must remember Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of self-reliance, which he described as “not a slogan; it is strategic insurance.”
Haasan expressed solidarity with exporters in regions such as Tiruppur, Surat, and Noida, as well as shrimp farmers in Andhra Pradesh and the gems and jewellery industry in Gujarat and Maharashtra. He urged both the Union and State governments to act swiftly, proposing a two-year moratorium on loan repayments for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), an emergency credit line, expanded export credit, and the clearance of pending refunds related to Goods and Services Tax (GST), Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP), and Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL).
Additionally, he called for temporary power tariff concessions, freight support to access new markets, liberalized import norms for synthetic yarns, a streamlined system for export compliance and refunds, and initiatives for market diversification. Haasan argued that the current crisis should not be addressed with temporary fixes but should serve as a “clarion call for a decade-long mission” to secure India’s position in future supply chains, including rare earths, semiconductors, batteries, power electronics, and advanced textiles.
He concluded by reminding that India has a long memory and recognizes its allies by their actions rather than words. “Let us meet this historic fork in the road with unity, courage, and vision. The Republic of India and its citizens will not be lectured for putting India first. The Indian spirit has outlasted empires.”
**FAQ**
**What are the implications of the US tariffs on Indian exports?**
The US tariffs on Indian exports could significantly impact various sectors, leading to financial strain on exporters and domestic industries. Kamal Haasan has called for immediate government intervention to mitigate these effects and promote self-reliance in critical supply chains.
