Anand Mahindra doesn’t typically speak in dramatic terms. But when he does, people pay attention. Responding to US President Donald Trump’s latest round of global tariffs, the Mahindra Group Chairman wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “The new tariffs announced by the US are a signpost of one major geopolitical development. The multipolar world will now become a reality faster than anyone had ever expected.”
His comment, made on 3 April, came shortly after the White House unveiled sweeping ad-valorem tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% on goods from all trade partners.
While reactions poured in from across the world, Mahindra took a different approach—one that focused on the larger shift in global power.
He believes India is missing from the conversation, and that this could be the country's moment to rise.
India is “A non-topic of discussion”
In a follow-up post, Mahindra questioned why global discourse remains largely fixated on China’s response to the US tariffs, while India continues to be sidelined.
He wrote, “Most global forums are focused on how China may benefit or retaliate. India is a non-topic of discussion.”
Yet, Mahindra argues India is uniquely placed. As the world’s largest democracy with deep domestic consumption and established supply chains, the country could soon find itself in an enviable position.
But for that to happen, he said, India must resist knee-jerk reactions.
His advice, “A measured reaction is required. We need smart policies that help us emerge as the world’s most reliable economic partner—and a key pillar in a new, multipolar global order.”
Internet users echo Mahindra’s view
Mahindra’s remarks struck a chord online. One user wrote, “The key isn’t just how India reacts to the current global economic tensions, but how it proactively positions itself as a reliable and stable alternative for global economies seeking dependable partners.”
Another observed that outrage tends to dominate headlines, but few are stepping back to see the broader trend: India may be quiet for now, but its moment may be approaching fast.
Some noted that amid rising trade tensions, countries may soon look to India not only for goods, but also as a strategic base for manufacturing and long-term investment.
Trump’s tariff shock reorders global trade
President Trump’s announcement on 3 April has triggered immediate market instability and renewed global friction.
The new US tariffs will roll out in phases. A 10% rate comes into force on 5 April, with a 27% duty applying from 9 April. Some sectors—including energy, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals—are exempt, but others are affected across the board.
India, like many nations, is now facing a fresh 26% reciprocal tariff from Washington. A senior Indian government official said, “We are studying the impact,” indicating no immediate retaliation.
Trump's administration has framed the tariffs as a strategy to restore domestic manufacturing, fight unfair trade, and strengthen national revenue. It has also linked the measures to issues like illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
A wave of retaliation
Several major economies are already hitting back.
China matched the US move with a 34% tariff on American goods, mirroring the duty imposed on Chinese imports. The European Union has pledged countermeasures. South Korea has promised an “all-out” response.
In an unprecedented move, South Korea, China, and Japan convened their first economic dialogue in five years on 30 March. The three nations released a joint statement vowing to “closely cooperate for a comprehensive and high-level” approach to regional trade.
Markets in free fall
The financial fallout was swift. In the US, the Nasdaq opened with a 4.5% loss. The S&P 500 fell 3.4%, and the Dow dropped 2.7%. Europe wasn’t spared. The UK’s FTSE 100 closed 1.5% lower, its worst single-day fall in eight months.
Analysts warn that if retaliatory measures spiral, the trade war could drag down growth across multiple regions.
India’s moment, if it plays it right
Despite being drawn into the tariff crossfire, India has so far avoided becoming a central player in the escalating dispute. But Mahindra believes that may be a mistake—not for India, but for those overlooking its potential.
He’s urging policymakers to think long-term, stay calm, and position India as the world’s most trusted economic partner.
In a world on the brink of fragmentation, Mahindra’s message is simple: the global chessboard is shifting, and India has a rare opportunity to choose its move wisely.
His comment, made on 3 April, came shortly after the White House unveiled sweeping ad-valorem tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% on goods from all trade partners.
While reactions poured in from across the world, Mahindra took a different approach—one that focused on the larger shift in global power.
He believes India is missing from the conversation, and that this could be the country's moment to rise.
Most of the speculation today in global fora on the global impact of the U.S tariffs revolves around China: What might be its reaction (China today announced strong retaliatory tariffs) and how it might, in fact, BENEFIT from a new world order.
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) April 4, 2025
India, admittedly, is not a major… https://t.co/sl1VDuaVMc
India is “A non-topic of discussion”
In a follow-up post, Mahindra questioned why global discourse remains largely fixated on China’s response to the US tariffs, while India continues to be sidelined.
He wrote, “Most global forums are focused on how China may benefit or retaliate. India is a non-topic of discussion.”
Yet, Mahindra argues India is uniquely placed. As the world’s largest democracy with deep domestic consumption and established supply chains, the country could soon find itself in an enviable position.
But for that to happen, he said, India must resist knee-jerk reactions.
His advice, “A measured reaction is required. We need smart policies that help us emerge as the world’s most reliable economic partner—and a key pillar in a new, multipolar global order.”
Internet users echo Mahindra’s view
Mahindra’s remarks struck a chord online. One user wrote, “The key isn’t just how India reacts to the current global economic tensions, but how it proactively positions itself as a reliable and stable alternative for global economies seeking dependable partners.”
Another observed that outrage tends to dominate headlines, but few are stepping back to see the broader trend: India may be quiet for now, but its moment may be approaching fast.
Some noted that amid rising trade tensions, countries may soon look to India not only for goods, but also as a strategic base for manufacturing and long-term investment.
Trump’s tariff shock reorders global trade
President Trump’s announcement on 3 April has triggered immediate market instability and renewed global friction.
The new US tariffs will roll out in phases. A 10% rate comes into force on 5 April, with a 27% duty applying from 9 April. Some sectors—including energy, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals—are exempt, but others are affected across the board.
India, like many nations, is now facing a fresh 26% reciprocal tariff from Washington. A senior Indian government official said, “We are studying the impact,” indicating no immediate retaliation.
Trump's administration has framed the tariffs as a strategy to restore domestic manufacturing, fight unfair trade, and strengthen national revenue. It has also linked the measures to issues like illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
A wave of retaliation
Several major economies are already hitting back.
China matched the US move with a 34% tariff on American goods, mirroring the duty imposed on Chinese imports. The European Union has pledged countermeasures. South Korea has promised an “all-out” response.
In an unprecedented move, South Korea, China, and Japan convened their first economic dialogue in five years on 30 March. The three nations released a joint statement vowing to “closely cooperate for a comprehensive and high-level” approach to regional trade.
Markets in free fall
The financial fallout was swift. In the US, the Nasdaq opened with a 4.5% loss. The S&P 500 fell 3.4%, and the Dow dropped 2.7%. Europe wasn’t spared. The UK’s FTSE 100 closed 1.5% lower, its worst single-day fall in eight months.
Analysts warn that if retaliatory measures spiral, the trade war could drag down growth across multiple regions.
India’s moment, if it plays it right
Despite being drawn into the tariff crossfire, India has so far avoided becoming a central player in the escalating dispute. But Mahindra believes that may be a mistake—not for India, but for those overlooking its potential.
He’s urging policymakers to think long-term, stay calm, and position India as the world’s most trusted economic partner.
In a world on the brink of fragmentation, Mahindra’s message is simple: the global chessboard is shifting, and India has a rare opportunity to choose its move wisely.
You may also like
India can be a 'Vishwaguru' in business: RSS leader Hosabale
Apr 6 - PM Modi in Sri Lanka, India's first vertical-lift sea bridge, protest in Pakistan
Govt aiming to make India a global maritime leader: Sonowal
Grand National 2025 winner: Nick Rockett storms to dramatic victory - full Aintree result
Shooting World Cup: Esha Singh bags silver in women's 25m pistol, third medal for India
