Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 28 (ANI): Reacting to the imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on Indian imports by the United States, Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Awadhesh Prasad on Thursday stated that the need of the hour was to stop using American products.

'... When we boycott their products, they will suffer losses from that... In the current situation, it is necessary that we stop using American products... We must do this as soon as possible...' Prasad told ANI.

Earlier in the day, Yoga guru Ramdev also urged Indian citizens to boycott American companies and brands as a reaction to the tariffs imposed by the US, and termed it as 'political bullying, hooliganism and dictatorship'.

'Indian citizens should strongly oppose the 50% tariffs that America has imposed on India as political bullying, hooliganism and dictatorship. American companies and brands should be completely boycotted,' Ramdev told ANI.

'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... Trump has committed a blunder by turning against India,' he added.

The US first imposed 25% tariffs on India in early August. President Donald Trump then announced an additional 25% on India effective August 27, for the country's continued purchases of Russian oil.

Meanwhile, the House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats have criticised President Trump for imposing tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil, while sparing China and other countries that buy larger quantities.

In a post, the Committee alleged that Trump's decision to focus solely on India with tariffs is 'hurting Americans & sabotaging the US-India relationship in the process.' The committee questioned the administration's intent, remarking, 'It's almost like it's not about Ukraine at all.' (ANI)