Overview
- The United States under President Donald Trump imposed a 50% duty on Indian exports, including a 25% penalty tied to Russian oil trade, effective August 27, which New Delhi called unfair and unjustified.
- In his national radio address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged consumers to choose Indian-made goods and reiterated the 'vocal for local' message.
- Public figures including yoga guru Ramdev and senior politicians urged boycotts of American brands such as Pepsi, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, KFC and Subway.
- Small demonstrations were reported, including a Bangia Hindu Mahamancha protest where American products were burned.
- Company disclosures underscore exposure to India’s market, with McDonald’s operator Westlife Foodworld reporting Rs 2,390 crore in FY24 revenue and PepsiCo India Rs 8,200 crore alongside recent investments.