While the world is focusing on China after Trump’s tariffs, Anand Mahindra said: India is the plot twist you lack
His comments were published on April 3, and soon after the White House announced advertising tariffs on all trading partners’ goods, ranging from 10% to 50%.
Despite the influx of reactions from around the world, Mahindra has taken a different approach that focuses on a larger shift in global power.
He believes India has disappeared during the conversation, which may be a moment for the country’s rise.
India is “non-theme of discussion”
In a follow-up post, Mahindra US tariffswhile India continues to be eliminated.
“Most global forums focus on how China benefits or retaliates. India is the subject of discussion,” he wrote.
However, Mahindra believes that India is unique. As the world’s largest democracies with deep domestic consumption and a defined supply chain, the country will soon find itself in an enviable position.
But to achieve this, India must resist the knee response, he said.
His advice is “responses that need to be measured. We need smart policies to help us become the most reliable economic partner in the world and be a key pillar in the new multipolar order.”
Internet users respond to Mahindra’s opinion
Mahindra’s speech elicited the online chords. “The key is not just India’s response to the current global economic tensions, but how it is proactively positioning itself as a reliable and stable alternative to a global economy seeking reliable partners,” one user wrote.
Another observed rage tends to dominate the headlines, but few people take a step back and see a broader trend: India may be quiet for the moment, but its moment may be coming soon.
Some pointed out that amid rising trade tensions, the state may soon seek goods from India, and it is the strategic basis for manufacturing and long-term investment.
Trump’s tariff shock will reposition global trade
The announcement by President Trump on April 3 sparked immediate market instability and updated global frictions.
New U.S. tariffs will be launched in phases. The 10% interest rate took effect on April 5, and 27% responsibility should be held from April 9. Some sectors (including energy, semiconductors and medicines) are exempted, but others are fully affected.
India, like many countries, now faces a 26% reciprocal tariff in Washington. “We are studying the impact” and show no immediate revenge, a senior Indian government official said.
Trump’s administration defines tariffs as a strategy to restore domestic manufacturing, with unfair trade and strengthen national revenues. It also links these measures to issues such as illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
A wave of revenge
Several major economies have returned.
China matches tariffs on U.S. goods by 34%, reflecting obligations to Chinese imports. The EU has promised countermeasures. South Korea has promised to respond “to do your best”.
With unprecedented moves, South Korea, China and Japan held their first five-year economic dialogue on March 30. The three countries issued a joint statement pledging to “work closely” “with a comprehensive and advanced approach to regional trade.”
Free Autumn Market
The financial impact is fast. In the United States, the Nasdaq lost 4.5%. The S&P 500 fell 3.4%, while the Dow Jones fell 2.7%. Europe is not spared. The UK’s FTSE 100 fell 1.5%, its worst single-day decline in eight months.
Analysts warned that if retaliation measures were spiraled, the trade war could delay growth in multiple regions.
Indian moment, if it plays
Despite being drawn to the tariff fire, India has so far avoided being the core player in the escalating dispute. But Mahindra thinks this could be a mistake – for India, but someone who ignores its potential.
He urged policy makers to think long-term, stay calm, and position India as the world’s most trusted economic partner.
In a world on the edge of fragmentation, Mahindra’s message is simple: the global chessboard is shifting, and India has few opportunities to choose its actions wisely.
