Several big American brands in India, like McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Amazon, and Apple, are facing calls for boycott. This is because of the 50% tariffs (extra taxes) that Donald Trump has placed on Indian goods. Many people, including business leaders and supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, want Indians to buy more local products instead of American ones.
Read more: PM Modi Urges Citizens to ‘Buy Swadeshi’ as US Imposes Heavy Tariffs on Indian Goods
India is very important for these American companies because of its large population. For example, WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has more users in India than anywhere else. Domino’s has more stores in India than in any other country. Pepsi and Coca-Cola sell a lot of drinks here, and Apple and Starbucks also have many customers.
The new 50% tariff by Trump has made relations between India and the US tense. Many people on social media are now asking others to stop buying US products and support Indian-made goods. Although it is not clear yet how much this will affect sales, the boycott movement is growing.
Manish Chowdhary, co-founder of an Indian company Wow Skin Science, posted a video encouraging people to support Indian farmers and startups. He said India should take pride in “Made in India” products and learn from countries like South Korea, which has become successful in food and beauty products.
Rahm Shastry, CEO of DriveU, shared his wish on LinkedIn that India should create its own social media and tech platforms like Twitter, Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Facebook—just like China did.
Also See: Trump Tariffs Hit Tamil Nadu’s Textile Exports — Rs 6,000 Crore Trade at Risk
Indian stores are already competing well with international brands like Starbucks, but Indian brands find it hard to grow globally.
On the other hand, Indian tech companies like TCS and Infosys are doing very well internationally, offering software services to clients around the world.
During a meeting in Bengaluru, Prime Minister Modi encouraged everyone to focus more on self-reliance. He said that Indian tech companies make products for the world, but now India must also focus on its own needs.
Despite protests against the US, Tesla opened its second showroom in New Delhi on Monday. Officials from both the Indian government and the US embassy were present.
