File photo: NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar (PTI)

NEW DELHI: NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday called for backing the Central government in the face of US President Donald Trump’s steep tariff hikes, describing them as “pressure tactics” aimed at coercing India.“The imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods is a pressure tactic. We, the people of India, should support the government to protect the interests of the country,” Pawar told reporters in Nagpur, as quoted by news agency PTI.The former Union minister refrained from directly blaming the Modi government’s foreign policy for the tariff escalation but said Trump’s impulsive style left little room for negotiation. “We saw the work style of Trump in his first term as US president earlier. I feel no one has control over him. He speaks impulsively whatever comes to his heart,” Pawar said.The US has announced two rounds of tariffs totalling 50% on Indian goods, an initial 25% effective from August 7, followed by another 25% three weeks later, targeting, among other things, India’s oil trade with Russia. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had earlier termed it “one of the biggest setbacks to India’s foreign policy in recent times,” warning that sectors including MSMEs, agriculture, dairy, engineering goods, electronics, gems and jewellery, petroleum products, and cotton clothing would be hit the hardest.Pawar also used the opportunity to caution Prime Minister Narendra Modi about growing regional strains. “We also cannot ignore our approach towards our neighbouring countries. Today, Pakistan is against us, while countries including Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives are not happy with us. Our neighbours are moving away from us. I feel Modi saheb shouldn’t ignore this aspect and should concentrate on improving the ties,” he said.The ministry of external affairs earlier described the US move as “unfortunate” and reiterated that India would continue to act in its own national interest.Opposition leaders have sharpened their criticism of the government’s handling of ties with Washington. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi called Trump’s tariff action “economic blackmail” and alleged that PM Modi’s muted response was linked to “the ongoing US investigation into Adani.”