'Boycott US Brands of Burgers & Colas': Ramdev on India’s Tariff Row With America

Yoga guru Ramdev has strongly reacted to the United States’ decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods, urging citizens to hit back by boycotting American products. The call comes after Washington’s latest move to levy 50% tariffs on Indian imports starting August 27.

Ramdev described the US action as “bullying, hooliganism and dictatorship” and said that American companies operating in India would face the brunt if people decided to avoid them altogether. According to him, such a boycott could push the US into “chaos” and force the Trump administration to reconsider its stance.

“Indian citizens should strongly oppose the 50 per cent tariffs that America has imposed on India as political bullying, hooliganism and dictatorship. American companies and brands should be completely boycotted,” he told ANI.



The yoga guru urged Indians to stay away from popular US brands like Pepsi, Coca-Cola, KFC, Subway, and McDonald’s. “Not a single Indian should be seen at the counters of Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Subway, KFC, or McDonald's. There should be such a massive boycott. If this happens, chaos will ensue in America. Inflation will increase in America to the point where Trump himself may have to retract these tariffs,” he said.

Ramdev also accused US President Donald Trump of making a serious miscalculation by targeting India. “Trump has committed a blunder by turning against India,” he remarked.

Why the US Imposed Tariffs on India

The latest tariffs have been linked to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Earlier in August, Washington had already introduced a 25% duty, which was later doubled. The decision has drawn sharp criticism in India, with many viewing it as unfair targeting.

Interestingly, US lawmakers too have questioned Trump’s move. The House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats pointed out that while India is being penalised, other nations buying even larger volumes of oil from Russia, including China, remain untouched.

The committee alleged that the tariffs are “hurting Americans & sabotaging the US-India relationship in the process.” They went on to question the real intent behind the decision, commenting, “It’s almost like it’s not about Ukraine at all.”

A media report quoted by the committee noted, “It would be one thing if the Trump administration had opted to follow through on the threat of secondary sanctions for any country that purchases Russian oil.”

Ramdev’s fiery remarks reflect the growing frustration in India over Washington’s tariff strategy. While his boycott call may or may not gain traction, it underscores how trade tensions are straining ties between two major democracies. The coming weeks will reveal whether diplomacy or confrontation takes centre stage in this standoff.