Raisina Dialogue 2025: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday expressed his views on trade barriers, tariffs and tech sanctions or restrictions in foreign policy. He asserted that tariffs and sanctions are a reality, regardless of whether we like them or not. Jaishankar’s statement came during the panel discussion “Commissars and Capitalists: Politics, Business and New World Order,” at the Raisina dialogue held in New Delhi. He emphasised that increased use of tariffs and sanctions by various countries to protect their economic interests have “eroded” the lines which divide the different domains across countries.
EAM On Tariffs
EAM said, “Tariffs, sanctions, I think, whether we would like it or not they are a reality, countries use them. In fact, if one looks at the last decade, I would say we have seen a much greater weaponisation of pretty much any kind of capability or any kind of economic activity. It could be financial flows, it could be energy supplies, it could be technology.”
“This is a reality of the world. You fight for your business, because you are fighting for your employment, you are fighting for your comprehensive national power, of which business makes a very important contribution,” Jaishankar added.
Notably, Jaishankar’s statement comes at the backdrop of tariffs announced by United States on goods of various countries including India.
EAM On Weaponisation Of Global Goods
When asked about his views on weaponisation of global goods like telecom and social media, Jaishankar stressed that there are different ways of dealing with it. He pointed that the world today makes business decisions keeping national security in mind. Jaishankar further added that India at present is involved in three big trade negotiations with the EU, UK and the United States. He referred them as country’s growth markets.
EAM stated, “There are different ways of dealing with weaponisation. One is to stay on the right side of the weapon so you don’t get hit… The world today makes business decisions keeping national security in mind, in a way it did not happen earlier, especially in the digital era… In the digital era, I think it’s not just about cost, it is about comfort, it is about trust.”
#WATCH | Delhi: When asked how he views the weaponisation of global goods like social media, telecom, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, “There are different ways of dealing with weaponization. One is to stay on the right side of the weapon so you don't get hit…… pic.twitter.com/jlbmBSOoLR
— ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2025
