Jaishankar Draws ‘Red Line’ in India–US Trade Talks, Calls US Tariffs “Unfair”

New Delhi, India: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday reaffirmed India’s firm stance in trade negotiations with the United States, emphasizing that Washington must respect India’s “red lines.” Speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave, he said both sides are working to find a “landing ground” amid unresolved tariff issues.

India’s Stand on US Tariffs

Jaishankar called the US-imposed tariffs on Indian goods “unfair,” pointing out the double standards in penalties over Russian oil imports when European nations continue similar purchases. He added that India is “actively working” with the US to resolve these trade tensions. “We haven’t yet reached a landing ground in our trade discussions. This has led to certain tariffs being levied on us, which we have publicly said are unfair,” Jaishankar said.

Global Shifts and Weaponisation of Trade

Jaishankar highlighted a new level of sanctions and asset seizures in recent years, noting that global powers are increasingly inclined to “weaponise everything.” He observed that major powers now exercise dominance more freely, using economic tools to advance political objectives.

“If a state has a tool in its toolkit, there is much less reticence particularly on the part of major powers to use it,” he said.

Changing Global Energy Dynamics

Jaishankar pointed out that the United States has transformed from an energy importer to a major exporter, integrating fossil fuels into its strategic outlook. In contrast, China has emerged as a global leader in renewables, symbolizing two distinct yet dominant paths in the world’s energy landscape.