Modi must raise 'tariffs and traumatic deportation' in Trump meet: Kharge

The Congress president took a veiled dig at the PM.

New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise "2Ts" -- Tariffs and "Traumatic" Deportation -- with United States President Trump when he meets him in Washington. 

Kharge said all Indians recognise the valuable comprehensive global strategic partnership with the United States and both countries must do more to strengthen each other and further cement the relationship between both the democracies in the interest of our people.

"When our PM Narendra Modi  meets his American counterpart, President Trump, he must raise the '2Ts', which are of immense concern for all Indians," he said.

He said a 25% tariff on aluminium and steel imports with “no exemptions, no exceptions” for any country, has "serious repercussions" for India's manufacturing.

"We must build closer trade ties for both countries with a mutually beneficial framework, given that the US is one of our biggest trading partners," he said.

Referring to the recent "traumatic deportation" of Indians in handcuffs and shackles, he said, "the deportation of Indian immigrants -- handcuffed, legs chained -- has naturally raised strong concerns among all Indians. PM Modi must stress that any Indian national must not be humiliated and must be treated with utmost dignity."