India’s rapid economic growth and strong domestic market give it the resilience to resist tariff pressures from the US, especially under former President Donald Trump’s transactional trade policies, says Raymond Vickery, Senior Associate at CSIS and former US Assistant Secretary of Commerce. In an exclusive interview, Vickery emphasized that India should prioritize long-term, mutually beneficial trade relationships over short-term gains. He cited India’s trade deal with the UK as a model for stability and future planning, contrasting it with Trump’s unpredictable approach.
Vickery praised India’s technical talent and the Modi government’s focus on national interest, while urging gradual reforms in agriculture and dairy to allow fair competition. He encouraged India to take a leadership role in global trade platforms like the WTO to uphold fair practices and resist tariff “blackmail.” Aligning with economies like Brazil, he said, would strengthen India’s position. Ultimately, Vickery believes India’s future lies in balancing domestic priorities with strategic global engagement—on its own terms.