‘How come 50% tariff can be…’: Kash Patel’s ‘Happy Independence Day India’ message gets sharp responses

Kash Patel wished India on Independence Day.

FBI director Kash Patel extended his greetings on the occasion of 79th Independence Day from his personal handle on X. “Happy Independence Day India,” Patel wrote sharing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video of Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort, New Delhi. Patel’s wish met varied reactions as India and the US are caught amid a tariff war with President Donald Trump announcing 50 per cent tariff on India, as a punishment for buying oil from Russia. The reactions reflected the hostilities over the tariff stance, while many slammed Kash Patel for wishing India. “How come 50% tariff can be Happy?,” one wrote. “There is still time to delete this,” another wrote. “Are you happy about Donald Trump trying to blackmail India from buying oil from the Russian Federation?” a third user wrote. Many people asked him to go back to India, though Kash Patel was born in New York. His parents are originally from Gujarat and they relocated to Uganda, Canada and then to the US. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wished India on the occasion of India’s Independence Day as he called India-US ties “consequential and far-reaching”. “The historic relationship between the world’s largest democracy and the world’s oldest democracy is consequential and far-reaching. Our shared vision unites our two countries for a more peaceful, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region,” Rubio said in a statement.“Our partnership spans industries, promotes innovation, pushes the boundaries of critical and emerging technologies, and extends into space. Working together, the United States and India will rise to the modern challenges of today and ensure a brighter future for both our countries,” he added.The US wished Pakistan on its Independence Day on August 14 and appreciated “Pakistan’s engagement on counterterrorism and trade”. “The United States deeply appreciates Pakistan’s engagement on counterterrorism and trade. We look forward to exploring new areas of economic cooperation, including critical minerals and hydrocarbons, and fostering dynamic business partnerships which will promote a prosperous future for Americans and Pakistanis,” Rubio said.