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| Patience as power: India turned tariff coercion into diplomatic leverage | | | Lalit Garg
In international politics and global trade, no agreement is confined merely to numbers or tariff percentages. Every such understanding reflects a nation’s sovereignty, the firmness of its leadership, and the direction of its future. The recent trade consensus between India and the United States—under which the proposed 50 percent tariff has been reduced to 18 percent—must be viewed in this broader perspective. This development is not just an economic relief; it is a significant and far-reaching indicator of shifting global power equations and India’s growing negotiating strength.
The proverb “better late than never” finds full relevance here. When the United States initially exerted pressure by imposing steep tariffs on Indian products, apprehensions were widespread that an emerging economy like India would eventually be forced to yield. Recent global trade history bears testimony to the fact that powerful nations often pursue their interests through pressure tactics. However, the fact that the trade process initiated in February 2025 has moved in a positive direction by February 2026 clearly shows that India neither acted in haste nor compromised its national interests. It took time, assessed circumstances carefully, and ultimately secured a balanced and dignified outcome.
The immediate impact of reducing tariffs from 50 percent to 18 percent was visible in the business world and stock markets. Investor confidence revived, exporters received relief, and positive market signals emerged. Yet, the true significance of this decision extends far beyond these short-term effects. It confirms that India is no longer merely a rule-follower but has emerged as a nation that actively participates in shaping and redefining global trade rules. A superpower like the United States softening its stance is a direct reflection of India’s economic strength, strategic patience, and political self-confidence.
One of the most defining features of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy has been dialogue without submission to pressure. Whether in defense cooperation, energy security, or trade negotiations, India has consistently moved forward with its national interests at the core. In this trade agreement as well, India presented its terms clearly—without yielding, without faltering, and without appearing weak. This is precisely why the United States was eventually compelled to revise its proposals. This outcome represents not merely a trade victory, but an example of political maturity and resolute leadership.
The agreement is expected to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian industries. Lower tariffs mean Indian products will gain stronger access to the American market, increasing their reach and providing fresh momentum to the “Make in India” initiative. Sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, agriculture-based products, and emerging technology industries are likely to benefit significantly in the long term. India is no longer just a source of cheap labor or raw materials; it is steadily evolving into an economy focused on value-added manufacturing and innovation.
Prime Minister Modi’s description of this India–US trade agreement as the “outcome of sustained patience,” delivered with calm confidence during a parliamentary party meeting, encapsulates his diplomatic approach. This agreement was not the result of any sudden development but of a year-long process involving strategic restraint, expanded alternatives, and balanced dialogue. Despite criticism from the opposition and immediate pressures, the government-maintained composure, fully aware that haste in global trade and geopolitics often proves costly.
America’s eventual flexibility was not born of emotional friendship but of strategic necessity. Over the past year, India clearly demonstrated that it had multiple options—energy cooperation with Russia, a historic free trade agreement with the European Union, and an increasingly vital role in global supply chains. Had Washington persisted with unilateral pressure, American companies would have risked losing access to one of the world’s fastest-growing large markets. Dramatic claims by Donald Trump regarding $500 billion in imports, zero tariffs, and abandoning Russian oil were part of this pressure strategy—claims that India neither publicly contested nor accepted. Modi’s silence on these assertions reflected India’s view of the situation not as a final confrontation but as a phase of directional recalibration.
In contrast, the Indian opposition exposed its political impatience and strategic immaturity throughout this episode. It attempted to corner the government by framing the tariff issue in terms of immediate gains and losses, failing to grasp that international trade negotiations demand time, patience, and multi-layered calculations. The opposition overlooked the fact that in diplomacy, waiting is sometimes the most decisive move, not a retreat.
Today, as the United States abandons its rigid stance and India stands once again at the forefront of global competition, it is evident that Modi’s policy was not only pressure-free but deeply farsighted. This approach is positioning India as a confident, influential power capable of setting the terms of engagement rather than merely accepting them.
A crucial dimension of this development is that it signals the decline of pressure-driven politics in global trade. For decades, large economies have used tariffs, sanctions, and policy coercion to force smaller or emerging nations into submission. India has not only challenged this pattern but has proven that confidence, economic capability, and political will can transform pressure into constructive dialogue.
In the context of India–US relations, this agreement also marks the emergence of a new political framework. The relationship is no longer confined to strategic or defense cooperation; it is advancing toward a higher level of economic partnership. Its impact will extend beyond the two nations, strengthening the foundations of a multipolar global order. The world is gradually recognizing that future leadership will not rest with a single power but will emerge through balanced partnerships—and India is prepared to play a central role in that evolving architecture.
This trade progress has also significantly enhanced the international credibility of the Modi government. This credibility is not built on rhetoric or publicity but on tangible outcomes. Today, India is viewed globally as a nation that safeguards its interests while contributing positively to global stability and cooperation. This balance distinctly sets it apart from other emerging economies.
India’s journey toward becoming a global power is not driven by emotional slogans but by economic indicators, strategic agreements, and international acceptance. As the country rapidly advances toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy, such trade agreements mark critical milestones along that path. It is becoming increasingly clear that halting India’s forward momentum is no longer an easy task for anyone.
Undoubtedly, this trade agreement is the product of mature diplomacy and visionary leadership. In the realms of international politics and global trade, decisions are never merely economic calculations; they are reflections of sovereignty, self-respect, and leadership maturity. A delayed but correct decision is far more valuable than a hurried and flawed agreement. India exercised patience, preserved its dignity, and ultimately achieved results aligned with its national interests. Under Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is not only secure but is moving confidently toward the future—and it is this confidence that fuels its ascent toward global power status. |
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