Bengaluru, 1 Aug

State IT Minister Priyank Kharge has voiced concern over the US’s 25 per cent tariff on Indian exports, warning it could harm the state's electronics sector. He told PTI, “This requires a lot more deep dive because it has been 24 hours since the US announced these tariffs. But I think the Government of India seriously needs to look at it.”

Kharge pointed out India’s competitive challenges against nations like Vietnam, noting, “If you look at the countries we compete with globally, it’s Vietnam, China, Indonesia. We are the highest in Asia...Vietnam is at 20 per cent.”

He criticised the central government’s handling of trade issues, saying, “A massive miscalculation of policies by the central government.” Kharge also questioned the US-India relationship, stating, “In fact, it has become quite devastating for smaller manufacturers.”

When asked about whether State government is in touch with electronic manufacturing firms, Kharge said, “We have spoken to a few people. And of course, they’re also uncertain."

He called for ecosystem protection, adding, “We should see this ecosystem as a whole, not just about Apple or Foxconn. We manufacture across sectors—smartphones, semiconductors, space tech—and need a holistic approach.”