President Donald Trump's tariffs have shaken global trade dynamics, especially affecting India, as he imposed a hefty 50% tariff in response to India's long-term strategy of buying cheap crude oil from Russia. In response, the India Today-C Voter
'Mood of the Nation' (MOTN)
survey reveals that many Indians advocate for retaliatory measures.
Survey results indicate that nearly 45% of respondents urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration to impose reciprocal tariffs. Nonetheless, India has managed the tariff saga with restraint, maturity, and pragmatism, even as the proposed trade agreement with the U.S. hangs in limbo.
The Mood of the Nation survey also highlights that 34% of participants support reducing GST rates. Last September, the central government implemented significant GST rate cuts on essential goods and daily necessities, including TVs and refrigerators.
Trade agreements forged with the UK and the European Union promise huge relief to labor-intensive sectors like textiles, gems, jewelry, and footwear, which had suffered under Trump's towering 50% tariff. According to the survey, a small fraction, just 6%, believe the government should acquiesce to Trump's demands.
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Source: aajtak
Since the imposition of the 50% tariff on India, PM Modi has stayed reticent, opting instead to expand India's export footprint. Multiple trade agreements have been struck from the UK to Oman and New Zealand. Furthermore, India has also secured the 'Mother of All Deals' with the EU.
However, it's not to say India hasn't taken action. Last November, a 30% tariff was imposed on pulses imported from the U.S. Quietly executed, this move did not pass unnoticed.
According to the latest data from the Commerce Ministry, India's exports to the U.S. fell by 1.83% year-on-year, amounting to $6.88 billion (around ₹63,300 crores) in December 2025.
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When the India Today-C Voter
'Mood of the Nation' (MOTN)
survey queried whom the public sees as the next Prime Minister, 55% identified Narendra Modi as their preferred choice, while 27% named Rahul Gandhi. This reflects a similar trend from August 2025, where 52% supported Narendra Modi as their primary choice, with 25% favoring Rahul Gandhi.
If general elections were held today, the survey forecasts that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would increase its tally to 352 seats, with BJP's seats rising to 287, positioning the party to secure a majority on its own.
In terms of vote share, if elections took place today, the NDA could gain 47%, with the India Bloc drawing 39% and others garnering 14% of the votes.
The MOTN survey posed the question of what the outcomes would be if Lok Sabha elections occurred today and which coalition would secure how many seats. The survey suggests NDA is poised to capture 352 seats, while the India Bloc may secure 182 seats, and others just 9 seats. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, NDA had secured 293 seats, with the India Bloc gaining 234 seats. The August 2025 survey projected NDA gaining 324 and the India Bloc 208 seats.
