Jaishankar calls for ‘Atmanirbharta’ after US-India trade tensions
By Anjali Sharma‘
WASHINGTON – External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Wednesday called for “Atmanirbharta” (self-reliance) to achieve the goal of a developed India, stressing the need to stand firmly on our own feet in times of global turbulence and unpredictability.
Jaishankar asserted that nations with robust domestic demand have fared better and will continue to do so.
He was speaking at the Faith Conclave-2025 in Delhi, Jaishankar said “It is essential in times of unpredictability to stand firmly on our own feet. Atmanirbharta is, of course, the mindset to deal with global turbulence. But it is also the basis to strengthen our self-confidence, increase our resilience, and lay the foundation for Viksit Bharat.”
EAM highlighted India’s civilizational legacy, which has withstood the test of time while nurturing its culture, traditions, and heritage.
“Our real strengths have been our people and their self-belief. We have overcome adversities and addressed multiple challenges on the journey towards progress and prosperity,” he noted.
He pointed out to global volatility and uncertainties, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple conflicts, and trade upheavals.
Jaishankar asserted that nations with robust domestic demand have fared better.
“We are living in a volatile and uncertain era, having experienced the successive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple ongoing conflicts, and trade disruptions. Nations with strong domestic demand have performed better and will likely continue to do so,” he said.
His remarks came against the backdrop of escalating trade tensions between India and the United States, following US President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian goods 25% as a reciprocal measure and 25% as a penalty for purchasing oil from the Russian Federation.
Narendra Modi had also emphasized technology self-reliance, called the country’s “next big priority.”
Former MEA Secretary Vikas Swarup described it as part of a pressure tactic and urged India to stand firm reacted to Trump’s tariff move,
“If you cave in to a bully, then the bully will increase his demands. Then there will be even more demands. So, I think we have done the right thing. India is too large and too proud a country to become a camp follower of any other nation. Our strategic autonomy has been the bedrock of our foreign policy since the 1950s. I don’t think any government in Delhi can compromise on that,” Swarup said.
He responded to Trump’s earlier description of India as a “tariff king,” Swarup remarked that the US has now itself become the tariff king, with its average tariff at 18.4%, higher than India’s 15.98%.
“The US once called India a ‘Tariff King.’ But now, the real ‘Tariff King’ is the United States because our average tariff is about 15.98%, while the US tariff is 18.4%,” he pointed out.
Swarup warned that Trump’s move could backfire, fuelling inflation in the US and burdening American consumers.
“Tariffs may bring in about $100 billion a year for the US, but eventually, who will pay for them? American consumers. This is going to drive up inflation and prices in the US. I think that’s when the chickens will come home to roost,” he added.
