NEW DELHI– India’s economic trajectory remains strong despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on Indian imports, according to Raymond Vickery, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Senior Associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
In an exclusive interview with IANS on Friday, Vickery emphasized that the tariff move, while significant, should be viewed as a short-term challenge rather than a serious threat to India’s long-term economic growth.
“India’s economic strength, its large market, and its openness to competition will keep it moving forward,” Vickery said, underscoring the resilience of the Indian economy.
He acknowledged that Trump’s decision marked a departure from the multilateral trade framework that has supported global commerce for decades but maintained that India’s prospects remain “bright.”
“India is well-positioned to lead in the new economic order. Tariffs may slow certain sectors temporarily, but they cannot stop India’s upward momentum,” he stated.
Vickery urged Indian policymakers to respond constructively by expanding trade partnerships and lowering tariffs to create new economic opportunities. He also called on both nations to view the current tensions as a chance to strengthen the bilateral economic relationship.
“The India–U.S. relationship is vital, and this is the time to use economic cooperation as a force for shared prosperity,” he added.
Trump formally issued an executive order Thursday evening imposing a 25% tariff on Indian goods effective Friday. However, the order did not include the additional penalties Trump had previously threatened over India’s energy trade with Russia or its participation in the BRICS bloc.
In response, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to safeguarding its interests. “The country will take all necessary steps to protect national interest while negotiating trade deals with countries,” Goyal said Thursday. (Source: IANS)
