Rahul Gandhi criticised PM Modi over the impact of US tariffs on India’s textile sector, calling the economy “dead.” He warned of job losses and factory closures, urging a trade deal prioritising Indian businesses and workers
Rahul Gandhi addresses the National MGNREGA Workers’ Convention in New Delhi, on Thursday. Pic/PTI
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday said US tariffs are severely impacting India’s textile exporters, stressing the need for India to secure a trade deal with the United States (US) that prioritises Indian businesses and workers, news agency PTI reported.
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’.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 23, 2026
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
Gandhi asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi must not allow his “own weakness” to further affect the economy, especially when crores of jobs and lakhs of businesses are at risk.
The Congress leader shared a video on X from his recent visit to a garment factory in Haryana, where he interacted with workers and management and observed the operations firsthand. In the video, Gandhi is seen visiting various sections of the factory and even trying his hand at cutting cloth.
In a post accompanying the video, Gandhi said, “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’.”
He criticised the Prime Minister for not addressing the issue, saying, “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!”
The post carried the hashtag TINA (There Is No Accountability).
Rahul Gandhi highlights US tariffs’ impact on textile sector, calls for urgent government support
Gandhi later shared the video on YouTube as well, repeating his appeal to the Prime Minister. The phrase “please direct your attention to this matter” appeared to be a pointed reference to US President Donald Trump’s frequently used line, “Thank you for your attention to this matter”.
Highlighting the scale of the sector, Gandhi said India’s textile industry is the second-largest employer in the country and that Indian textiles and craftsmanship are recognised globally, PTI reported.
“Yet today, this industry is facing deep uncertainty and fear because of US tariffs,” he said.
Gandhi pointed out that exporters are under pressure from multiple fronts, PTI reported.
“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,” he said.
He said the impact is being felt directly on employment.
“Units are closing, procurement is decreasing, and there is widespread turmoil across the entire sector,” Gandhi added.
Recalling his visit to the Haryana factory, the former Congress president said he witnessed the skill, resilience and ambition of Indian workers.
“They simply need a government that provides them with genuine support,” he said.
Gandhi reiterated that it is essential for India to secure a trade agreement with the US that puts Indian interests first.
“PM Modi must not allow his own weakness to impact our economy any further,” he added.
(With PTI inputs)
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