New Delhi, Aug 7
India has taken the right stand by choosing to defend its national interests, even in the face of growing pressure from the United States, Prabhash Ranjan, Professor at OP Jindal Global University, said on Thursday as tensions between India and Washington escalate over tariffs and trade negotiations.
He further added that if the US imposes additional tariffs for such reasons, it would be a clear violation of international law, including WTO rules.
“The Global South is watching. In a time when the US, under Donald Trump’s leadership, is taking unilateral steps that defy international norms, India has the moral and strategic responsibility to stand firm,” he explained.
“The US is pressuring India to open up its agricultural sector so that American imports can enter. But this is not viable. Our farmers’ livelihoods are at stake, and India cannot allow massively subsidised US products to flood its markets,” he explained.
India’s rejection of US demands regarding agriculture is not just about trade, he said, but about protecting the rural economy.
“Our agriculture sector is extremely sensitive, and defending it is a matter of national survival. The government is absolutely right in doing so,” he added.