The US has imposed excessive tariffs on Indian exports and threatened to block energy purchases from Russia. In such a scenario, India must respond firmly.

One major step could be ensuring digital independence by banning American social media companies, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google, and YouTube. Read in Hindi: भारत में अमेरिकी सोशल मीडिया प्लेटफॉर्म पर हो नियंत्रण

American companies earn billions by exploiting Indian users' data, but give nothing back to India. A ban would strengthen homegrown platforms like Koo, ShareChat, and other indigenous alternatives. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter interfere in elections and spread fake news. India can take charge of its own digital security. A ban would force American companies to engage in fair trade with India. 

China banned foreign platforms with its ‘Great Firewall’ and boosted its own tech giants. Australia implemented strict regulations after recognising the harms of social media. 

Banning American social media is not just an economic countermeasure but a major step toward India's digital sovereignty. The US has shown, by withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, abandoning allies in Syria and Afghanistan, and suddenly imposing tariffs, that it only cares about its own interests. India must reduce its dependence on America. 

Under the ‘Self-Reliant India’ initiative, the Modi government has allocated $120 billion in the 2025 budget for domestic industries, green energy, and healthcare. Now, further steps must be taken: 

- Curb wasteful spending; an economic emergency could be declared. 

- Ban imports of luxury cars, watches, and cosmetics (saving $5 billion annually). 

- Reduce official foreign travel and promote virtual meetings. 

- Cut government expenditures. 

- Mandate disclosure of assets by ministers and officials. 

- Eliminate redundant government positions. 

- Support small businesses and farmers by redirecting $10 billion in corporate subsidies to MSMEs and farmers. 

- Focus on energy conservation by reducing petrol/diesel consumption and promoting solar and hydro alternatives. 

‘Self-Reliant India’ is not just a slogan—it is a symbol of our national pride!

Public commentator Prof Paras Nath Chaudhary says: "Amidst America's absurd and excessive tariffs on Indian exports and threats of additional sanctions on energy trade with Russia, India must deliver a strong and strategic response."

Trump’s challenge gives India an opportunity to rethink its strategic dependencies and redefine its global stance. India must abandon the illusion that democratic values guarantee a trustworthy partnership with the US 

America’s sudden withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, abandonment of allies in Syria and Afghanistan, and unpredictable trade policies prove that it prioritises self-interest over mutual trust. The US-India ‘Compact’, which promised deeper economic and defence ties, now seems hollow under the weight of tariffs. 

Self-reliance is not just an economic issue—it is a matter of national pride. To strengthen the economy, India must adopt frugality as a national ideal. The government should launch a 'National Austerity Mission' to curb wasteful spending and redirect resources to productive sectors. 

These reforms will demonstrate India’s commitment to fiscal discipline and economic sovereignty, aligning with the accountability demanded by its 1.4 billion citizens. 

Trump’s tariffs are not a setback but a catalyst. They expose the vulnerability of excessive reliance on unreliable partners and inspire India to carve its own path. With a $3.9 trillion economy and a seven per cent growth rate, India has the means to turn this challenge into a springboard for self-reliance, austerity, and global influence.