TARRIF SHOULD BECOME THE PATH OF SELF-RELIANT PEACE, NOT ECONOMIC WAR

TARRIF SHOULD BECOME THE PATH OF SELF-RELIANT PEACE, NOT ECONOMIC WAR

1-AUG-ENG 22

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------When a leader sitting at the top of a global power makes 'trade' a tool of 'bargaining' and 'pressure policy', then it not only shakes the global economy, but also challenges the basic principles of international relations. Former US President Donald Trump has dealt such an economic blow by imposing a 25 percent tariff on India. The goal of this tariff is clear, to hamper the competition of Indian products and re-establish American dominance. What impact America's 'Trumpian' bullying will have on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal of becoming the world's third economy and India's emerging economy, and the immediate and long-term impact of the tariff, is in the womb of the future. But in this context, the firmness of the Indian government is commendable. America has been our largest trading partner, the bilateral trade of both had reached $ 190 billion in 2024. Trump and Modi had set a target of more than doubling this figure to $ 500 billion, but that target has been questioned. In such a situation, Indian companies should be very careful while finding and expanding new markets for themselves.

India's economy is now among the fastest growing economies in the world. Campaigns like Make in India, Startup India, Digital India have made India a new center of production and innovation. India's textile, steel, auto parts and IT service sectors are continuously strengthening their hold in the global market. In such a situation, the imposition of tariffs by the US is a sign of fear arising from India's increasing global competition. But this decision is not only commercial, but also strategic. The Trump administration has always linked the issue of trade balance with national pride. The main weapon of the 'America First' policy has been to bring America forward by pushing others behind. This one-sided thinking weakens the values of trade and the spirit of partnership. The main reason for the ongoing talks between the two countries not reaching any conclusion by the deadline of August 1 on the trade agreement is India's unwillingness to compromise on America's terms. It should not be ready in the future either. It does not make any sense that India should enter into a trade agreement with America which is only in its interest. Such agreements can only be made when the interests of both sides are met. India should stand firm in protecting its interests and should not hesitate to make it clear that it is not going to bow down to the undue pressure of the US President. India does not need to fear Trump's arbitrary decisions because he is known for backing out from his decisions and reversing them. Due to this attitude of his, he is also being embarrassed at the international level. It would be good if he understands that today's India is not the same India as before and America's influence is also not the same as before.

Donald Trump's policy has often been based on 'pressure and inclination'. Trump's trade policy with China, Europe, Mexico has also been confrontational. But India has historically believed in a balancing diplomacy. India took the initiative towards an agreement through talks many times, but Trump's aggressive policy and personal style of 'dealmaking' did not allow any balance to be formed. The 25 percent tariff imposed on India is not only economically unfair, but it also violates the right of emerging nations to become self-reliant. This is a new form of neo-colonialism, where powerful nations want to control developing countries with economic weapons. The President's announcement of increasing tariffs and imposing fines on India is a part of his politics of pressure. This politics has been exposed. It would be good if the opposition parties of the country also understand this. Therefore, understand more that during the discussion on Operation Sindoor in Parliament, Prime Minister Modi clearly said that no world leader has any role in the suspension of military action. It is clear that Trump's claim of allegedly stopping military action between India and Pakistan is fake. In fact, this is the reason why he is repeating this false claim again and again.

Today's India is not only a huge market, but also an innovative power. The world's largest young population, rapidly growing digital economy, and diverse production capacity are leading India towards becoming a global economic power. India is now moving from the policy of “dependence” to “self-reliance”. The impact of Trump’s tariff will be limited and temporary, but India’s economic development journey is long-term and firm. It is time for India to turn this challenge into an opportunity, to look for new markets, to strengthen domestic production, and to mold global partnerships in a new form. Trump’s bullying cannot make India bow down. Rather, it can inspire India to become stronger and self-reliant. This is the time when India needs to further sharpen its production, innovation, exports and diplomacy. We have to understand that power should not be answered with power, but with vision and policy. Trump’s tariff is a challenge, but India has a history of winning through struggle in its soul. We have turned every crisis into an opportunity, and this time too we will do the same, not only for our economy, but also for the global economic balance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic thinking is basically ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, ‘Vikas ke sath samman’ (self-reliant India) The world has been based on the principles of 'trust' and 'equal partnership'. He presents India on the global stage as an equal nation, not as a system dependent on the mercy of a big nation. When leaders like Donald Trump attack India with a 25 percent tariff, Narendra Modi's thinking is not opposition but based on alternatives. He considers such pressures as an opportunity to think in a new direction and for domestic production and global diversification. Modi's response to the tariff war seems to be positive; he can strengthen the sectors affected by Trump's tariffs such as steel, auto parts, textiles through government subsidies, tax concessions and technical support. Apart from America, India can balance the crisis created by this tariff by strengthening its hold in new markets such as Europe, South-East Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Trump considers India his friend. But what kind of friendship is this, in which Trump has no concern for the poor, farmers and labourers of India. But Modi's foreign policy also has 'friendship with America', but 'not at the cost of self-respect'. He uses both dialogue and firmness. India will neither bow down nor stop due to the politics of pressure. Whether it is Trump's tariff or any other global challenge, Modi's India finds opportunities in every crisis. Modi's economic vision and policies are not designed to suit the wishes of any foreign nation, but according to India's needs, possibilities and self-respect. When global superpowers start threatening with the weapon of tariff, then understand that India's competitiveness has made them uncomfortable. Modi does not consider it a challenge, but an identity. Modi says- 'Make the local global', and this is his answer to every tariff, every pressure, every challenge. Modi's economic policy connects entrepreneurship with nation building. His economic thinking is not 'only development', but inclusive economic freedom based on self-rule. He takes the challenge of Trump's tariff in the same way as he took Covid or global recession - with courage, foresight and self-reliance.