Mumbai, January 5 (IANS). Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan, on US President Donald Trump’s warning of increasing tariffs on India, said that no matter what America does, if Russia is offering cheap oil then there is no harm in buying it.
Speaking to IANS in Mumbai, Prithviraj Chavan said that India is a sovereign country, and the government should take decisions in the interest of its people. If Russia is offering cheap oil then there is no harm in buying it, no matter what the US government does. Trump has already imposed tariffs. What more will they do? If India has become the third largest economy then how can America threaten us? India will have to be told that this is our decision.
He said that it is important to maintain good relations in international politics. America is a powerful country, and having good relations with it is not a bad thing, but the interests of the Indian people should never be ignored while maintaining good relations.
Regarding Trump’s tariff warning, he said that trade is not possible at all with 50 percent tariff. In fact, this is like stopping India-US trade, especially exports from India to America. Because outright bans cannot be imposed, tariffs have been used as a weapon to restrain trade. India will have to bear this. The profits that our people used to earn earlier by exporting to America, will not be available now. We have to look for other markets, and efforts are already underway in that direction. I think imposing higher tariffs will not make any difference. Trade is already affected, exports are not happening.
Regarding relations with Russia, he said that the question is that most of our military weapons come from Russia, and for the strength of our army, we are very dependent on Russia for defense equipment. We can’t stop it because there are many factors involved—sometimes the prices are high, sometimes the technology is not right. That is why, as an independent country, we keep buying military equipment from Russia. Recently, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we have also started purchasing from Israel. It is our right to take what from which country. Trump keeps threatening, has even threatened the President of Colombia.
He described Venezuela’s action as an attempt to divert attention. Prithviraj Chavan said that there has been a violation of the UN Charter and international law. Russia and China have condemned it, but India is sitting silent. India had also maintained silence on Israel-Gaza. China and Russia expressed concern, but India did not express concern either. The government is saving its image, but it is causing loss.
On BJP’s campaign regarding ‘Ji Ram Ji Kanoon’, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan said that this is the biggest deception of the New Year. Instead of 100 days, now a guarantee of 125 days is given, but this is a fake guarantee. When MNREGA started in 2005, on an average employment was available only for 50 days out of 100 days. If you were not able to go above 50, then how would you give 125 days? Secondly, they cannot win the elections without Ram, hence they are forced to bring Ram’s name. The basic guarantee of the central government has been removed and placed on the states. Our program is ready, we will tell people. If there is a change in such a big law, then before the law is made, it goes to the Standing Committee, careful attention is given, suggestions are given, the opposition can also present its point, but the Central Government is retreating from its responsibility, we are against it. The bill was passed without discussion.
Regarding Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid, he said that the protests that took place during the time of CAA, were they a terrorist act? UPA was imposed, is it right? Is it wrong to protest? If you have broken the law, give me a chance to explain. They are forcibly kept in jail without trial and are not giving bail. Ram Rahim is being given parole, when the High Court grants bail to Kuldeep Singh Sengar, the Supreme Court has to put a stay on it. The government should say that it will not spare the rapist. Everyone is watching where the law and order situation is heading.
–IANS
DKM/DKP
