Donald Trump, tariffs and China's counter punch: Anand Mahindra urges India to grab this opportunity

trade tariffs, industrialist Anand Mahindra believes India is being overlooked — and that could be a big mistake. On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs on global trade partners, including a 34% duty on Chinese goods. In response, China hit back with a 34% tariff on all imports from the U.S., escalating fears of a prolonged trade war. While the spotlight has largely remained on China, the U.S. also slapped a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods, citing high import duties imposed by New Delhi.

Amid this global shake-up, Mahindra sees an opening for India. Taking to X, the Mahindra Group Chairman said that while most global forums are focused on how China may benefit or retaliate, India remains a “non-topic of discussion." However, he argued that India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy and, as the world’s largest democracy, is uniquely positioned thanks to its vast domestic consumption and strong supply chains.

Mahindra also called for a “measured reaction” to tariffs, urging India to adopt smart policies that help it emerge as the world’s most reliable economic partner — and a key pillar in a new, multipolar global order.

Internet reacts

In response to Anand Mahindra’s post on India’s strategic opportunity amid the U.S.-China trade war, several users weighed in with thought-provoking insights. One pointed out that the key isn’t just how India reacts to the current global economic tensions, but how it proactively positions itself as a reliable and