A growing wave of anger over U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies has sparked fresh boycott calls against American brands in India, threatening to shake U.S. corporate influence in one of the world’s largest markets.
Indian yoga guru and business magnate Baba Ramdev, with nearly 3 million Instagram followers, has openly urged Indians to “completely boycott” iconic U.S. brands like Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Subway, KFC, and McDonald’s. Speaking to Indian media, Ramdev declared,
“Not a single Indian should be seen at the counters of these brands. There should be such a massive boycott that chaos will ensue in America.”
Ramdev’s statements reflect mounting outrage in India over Trump’s imposition of a 50% duty on Indian imports. This comes amid growing anti-U.S. sentiment across the nation, where grassroots activists, political leaders, and business groups are pushing for economic self-reliance and a greater focus on “Made in India” products.
Global Fallout of Trump’s Tariff Gambit
Trump’s tariff policies have already triggered backlash in countries like France, the U.K., and Canada.
Canada’s campaign—branded with the hockey-inspired mantra “elbows up”—has strongly encouraged consumers to “buy Canadian,” cutting into U.S. companies’ revenues in sectors ranging from agriculture to consumer goods.
In India, a country of 1.5 billion people, similar boycott calls pose serious risks to American multinationals deeply entrenched in the Indian market.
The push for local alternatives is gaining traction, particularly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to shun imported products in favor of domestic goods.
Resentment Brewing at Home: Trump’s Style Under Fire
While Trump’s administration continues to defend his tariff strategy with “America First” rhetoric, his aggressive words, combative body language, and punitive policies are drawing criticism even within the United States.
Prominent American voices—including policymakers, economists, and influential business leaders—have accused him of mishandling foreign relations and global trade.
Critics argue that instead of pursuing diplomacy and policies that strengthen America’s economy, Trump is pushing a personal agenda, seemingly seeking revenge on flimsy grounds to grab headlines.
“Ask an average American,” one political commentator noted, “and you’ll hear outright frustration over Trump’s heavy-handedness and divisive style.”
What was meant to project U.S. dominance on the world stage is increasingly boomeranging, leaving American businesses vulnerable to international boycotts and tarnishing the country’s reputation.
Economic Consequences Loom
Trump initially proposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports, only to raise it to 26% in April and now 50%. This tit-for-tat escalation is straining global trade ties and risks eroding trust in American leadership.
With India now joining the list of nations actively challenging Trump’s policies, his aggressive approach seems to be isolating the United States further. For American corporations heavily invested abroad, these boycotts are becoming more than symbolic—they’re turning into significant business risks.
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