The resignation of George Kurian has sparked political discussion in Kerala, where he has long been regarded as one of the BJP’s most prominent Christian leaders. His exit comes amid shifting political equations following recent developments in the state.

George Kurian Steps Down from Union Council of Ministers

Union Minister of State George Kurian resigned from the Union Council of Ministers on Tuesday, marking the end of his tenure in the Narendra Modi-led government. President Droupadi Murmu accepted his resignation on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The government has not officially disclosed the reason behind Kurian’s resignation. However, the development comes just days after the completion of his six-year Rajya Sabha term on June 21. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had chosen not to renominate him during the latest Rajya Sabha elections, effectively ending his tenure in Parliament.

Kurian, 65, served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. He was inducted into the Modi 3.0 government in June 2024 and represented Madhya Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha from August 2024 until June 2026.

A Prominent BJP Face in Kerala

A lawyer by profession, George Kurian has been associated with the BJP since the party’s formation in 1980. Over the decades, he emerged as one of the party’s most influential leaders in Kerala and held several key organizational positions, including state general secretary and vice-president of the BJP’s Kerala unit.

Kurian also served as national secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and was a member of the BJP national executive. Within party circles, he earned recognition as an effective spokesperson and frequently represented the BJP in television debates.

One of his notable roles was translating speeches of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah into Malayalam during their visits to Kerala, helping the party strengthen its outreach among local audiences.

Political Significance

Kurian belongs to the Syro-Malabar Catholic community, one of Kerala’s largest Christian denominations. His appointment as a Union Minister in 2024 was widely viewed as part of the BJP’s broader strategy to expand its support among Christian voters in the state.

Political observers believe his exclusion from the Rajya Sabha may be linked to the BJP’s evolving electoral strategy in Kerala following recent political developments. However, neither the BJP nor the central government has issued any official statement explaining the decision.

According to party sources, Kurian’s departure is unlikely to affect the BJP’s organizational presence in Kerala immediately, but it may influence discussions around the party’s future Christian outreach strategy in the state.

India-US Trade Deal After US Supreme Court Tariff Ruling: Should Modi Government Reconsider Its Strategy?

In a major development that has shaken global trade equations, the US Supreme Court tariff ruling has curtailed former President Donald Trump’s authority to impose sweeping tariffs without Congressional approval. The verdict, delivered on February 20, 2026, has significant implications for the ongoing India-US trade deal negotiations and global economic partnerships.

The ruling directly challenged the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977, stating that it does not grant the president blanket powers over trade. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, emphasized that trade policy remains primarily under Congressional authority.

Quick Shift: Trump’s 15% Tariff Move

Within hours of the verdict, the US administration introduced a temporary 10% tariff—later increased to 15%—on most imports. This move, justified under the Section 122 Trade Act, is set to remain effective for 150 days starting February 24, 2026.

Trade experts, including Ajay Srivastava from the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), argue that this signals Washington’s attempt to retain negotiating leverage. However, legal experts suggest the new tariff could face fresh judicial scrutiny since Section 122 has rarely been invoked in modern trade practice.

What Does This Mean for the India-US Trade Deal?

The latest developments have placed the India-US trade deal under renewed review. Here’s why it matters:

1. Relief for Indian Exports

The removal of “reciprocal tariffs” frees nearly 55% of Indian exports from a previously proposed 18–25% duty. These goods will now revert to standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates.

2. Tariffs That Continue

Some duties remain intact, including:

 50% tariff on steel and aluminum under Section 232

 25% tariff on select auto components

 3. Key Exemptions

Nearly 40% of India’s export basket—including smartphones, petroleum products, and medicines—remains exempt from US tariffs.

 Why India Must Reassess Now

India had reportedly offered multiple concessions during trade talks, including:

 Lowering MFN tariffs

 Easing regulations for US goods

 Aligning economic policies with American interests

 Indicating large-scale purchases of US products

These concessions were negotiated in exchange for a reduced 18% reciprocal tariff rate. However, with a uniform 15% tariff now imposed broadly, the value of those concessions has diminished.

A joint India-US statement dated February 6, 2026, reportedly allows either country to revise commitments if tariff structures change. Experts suggest New Delhi should leverage this clause strategically.

 India’s Strategic Options

According to trade analysts, India now has three primary options:

 Pause negotiations until legal clarity emerges in the US

 Seek revised terms ensuring equitable treatment

 Exit talks temporarily to reassess global trade alignments

Given the unpredictability of US trade policy, recalibration appears necessary.

 Broader Global Impact

The ruling has also cast doubt over trade agreements with countries such as the UK, Japan, and EU members. Many had negotiated terms to avoid steep US tariffs. Now, with a blanket 15% duty, the benefits of those agreements are under scrutiny.

The move reasserts Congressional control over trade but injects uncertainty into global markets.

Conclusion: Time for Strategic Reset?

The India-US trade deal now stands at a crossroads. While tariff relief offers short-term gains, the broader uncertainty surrounding US trade policy demands cautious optimism. For the Modi government, this is a moment to reassess negotiating leverage, protect domestic industry, and ensure that India’s long-term economic interests remain secure.

As global trade dynamics evolve rapidly in 2026, strategic recalibration—not hurried compromise—may be India’s strongest response.