Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a hefty 50 percent tariff on Indian imports has stirred a wave of outrage across India. The move, reportedly linked to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, is expected to hit major export sectors such as textiles, machinery, and seafood. Social media quickly became a battleground for reactions, with hashtags calling for boycotts of American companies trending across platforms. Among the usual names like McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Apple, and Amazon, the spotlight also fell on two of the biggest entertainment giants in the country Netflix India and Amazon Prime Video India.
Some voices online argued that cancelling subscriptions to these platforms could be a way to send a symbolic message against U.S. policies. But when it comes to entertainment, the sentiment on the ground seems more complex. Despite the anger, the thought of giving up global shows, blockbuster films, and binge-worthy originals is proving to be a step too far for many subscribers.
Streaming has woven itself into the daily lives of millions of Indians. With affordable internet plans, a massive range of content, and the ability to watch anytime and anywhere, platforms like Netflix and Prime Video have become essential companions in urban and even rural households. The convenience is undeniable, and for many, no local alternative yet offers the same mix of global storytelling, production quality, and wide-ranging genres.
While some may experiment with switching to Indian OTT platforms, the reality is that emotional reactions on social media often lose momentum when faced with the everyday appeal of entertainment. The idea of missing the latest season of a beloved series or skipping a highly anticipated global release simply does not sit well with most viewers.
That said, the boycott calls do shine a light on a growing conversation in India the push for greater economic self-reliance and the importance of supporting local businesses. With tensions in trade relations rising, there may be a stronger push for domestic streaming services to step up their offerings and capture a larger share of the market.
For now, however, the pull of entertainment seems to outweigh the push of political discontent. Netflix and Prime Video remain firmly in place on Indian smartphones and smart TVs, with users more likely to spend their evenings binge-watching than boycotting.
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