India, Aug. 27 -- Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of "failing to protect the country" after the US imposed a 50% tariff on imports from India. Kharge called for a stronger and more effective foreign policy, as opposed to what he described as the government's superficial engagements of "smiles, hugs, and selfies."

"Your dear friend 'Abki Baar, Trump Sarkar' has imposed 50% tariffs on India, starting today. We will lose an estimated Rs.2.17 Lakh Crore as the first jolt to this Tariff, across 10 sectors alone," Kharge wrote in a post on X.

He reminded Modi of his past assurances on safeguarding farmers' interests amid the bilateral trade negotiations with the US. He a...