Economic Activities 'Weaponized': EAM S Jaishankar Comments On Tariffs

The External Affairs Minister of India S Jaishankar said that economic activities and capabilities are weaponized at a much greater level, as he highlighted the reality of increasing use of tariffs and sanctions on Wednesday.

What Did The External Affairs Minister Say?

According to him, developing international relations has "eroded" the lines which divide the different domains across countries.

When asked if India is refusing to use tariffs and sanctions on other countries, Jaishankar said, "Tariffs, sanctions, I think, whether we would like it or not they are a reality, countries use them."

He added, "In fact, if one looks at the last decade, I would say we have seen a much greater weaponization of pretty much any kind of capability or any kind of economic activity."

He added that it could be something like financial flows, it could be energy supplies, it could be technology.

During the panel discussion "Commissars and Capitalists: Politics, Business and New World Order," during the Raisina dialogue he said that "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."

The EAM's remarks come amidst the United States President Donald Trump announcing several tariffs on the import of goods from different countries including India.

The US Perspective

Previously on March 13, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, lamented the tariffs imposed by various nations on the United States and referred to the tariffs imposed by India on American alcohol and agricultural products.

"I have a handy chart here that shows not just Canada but the state of tariffs across the board. If you look at Canada, since you brought it up, American cheese and butter have a nearly 300% tariff," she added.

According to her, the United States President Donald Tr7ump believes in reciprocity and wishes to have fair as well as balanced trade practices.

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