Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs on India spark outrage: Calls for boycotting US-based brands grow on social media; self-reliance in focus

Major American brands in India, including McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Amazon and Apple, are faced with boycott demands as corporate leaders and supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi respond to US tariffs. India’s vast population makes it a crucial market for American companies.The significance of India as a market is evident through various examples: WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has its largest user base in India, whilst Domino’s operates more outlets there than any other food chain. American beverage giants Pepsi and Coca-Cola maintain a strong retail presence, whilst Apple stores and Starbucks outlets continue to attract substantial customer interest.The implementation of a 50% tariff on Indian goods by Donald Trump has strained diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Washington, leading to widespread social media campaigns and public calls to support local alternatives over American products. Whilst immediate impact on sales remains unclear, there is increasing momentum behind the movement to boycott US goods in favour of domestic options, according to a Reuters report.

Trump’s tariffs on India: Calls for boycotting US brands

Manish Chowdhary, who co-founded Wow Skin Science in India, shared a video on LinkedIn advocating support for domestic farmers and startups. He emphasised the importance of elevating “Made in India” products to international recognition, citing South Korea’s success in food and beauty sectors.“We have lined up for products from thousands of miles away. We have proudly spent on brands that we don’t own, while our own makers fight for attention in their own country,” he said.DriveU’s CEO, Rahm Shastry, expressed on LinkedIn his vision for India to develop its own alternatives to major social media and tech platforms: “India should have its own home-grown Twitter/Google/YouTube/WhatsApp/FB — like China has.”Whilst Indian retail organisations successfully compete with international brands such as Starbucks in the local market, achieving global expansion remains difficult.In contrast, Indian technology service companies have established a strong international presence, with organisations like TCS and Infosys delivering software solutions to clients across the globe.During a Sunday gathering in Bengaluru, PM Modi issued a “special appeal” for self-reliance, stating that whilst Indian technology firms create products globally, “now is the time for us to give more priority to India’s needs.”Amidst ongoing anti-American demonstrations, Tesla inaugurated its second Indian showroom in New Delhi on Monday, with representatives from both the Indian commerce ministry and US embassy in attendance.