Trump Tariffs: What Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Said About India's Stand - 'Every country is going to work...'

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has shared his perspective on India’s handling of the Trump tariff situation, which has sent shockwaves through the country’s industries. Speaking at the NDTV Global Summit 2025 on Friday, October 17, 2025, Sunak highlighted how India has found a “common ground” in the face of global trade challenges. He also discussed the importance of the recently concluded India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), emphasizing its potential to boost bilateral trade relations between the two countries, PTI reported. Relations between New Delhi and Washington came under severe strain after US President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50%, including an additional 25% tax on India’s purchase of Russian crude. India’s national interest in a protectionist world When asked whether India has tackled the US tariff issue in the right way, the former British prime minister fully supported the country’s strategy, saying: “Every country is going to work in its own national interests, and that is quite right.” Sunak acknowledged the current global trade environment, noting that the “world is becoming more protectionist.” In this context, he viewed India’s move to sign a major trade deal with the United Kingdom as an incredibly positive sign of willingness to sit with countries, find common ground and create mutually beneficial agreements, while sending important signals globally. He noted that India is likely to seek other opportunities, is “in discussions with the EU”, just as the UK is also pursuing other agreements. He further emphasized the importance of deep and trust-based international relations. “If relationships are purely transactional, you get less out of them,” Sunak said. “Everyone is only thinking about immediate gains, and different countries react in different ways,” he said at the summit. Importance of India-UK Free Trade Agreement Rishi Sunak expressed his satisfaction with the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, an agreement he initiated, saying, “It’s great to see the trade agreement being signed, something I started working on, and I’m really happy that the new government has concluded it.” He also highlighted the success of the recent high-level delegation visits, noting “Modi coming to the UK, and the British Prime Minister visiting India with a large business delegation.” Sunak explained that trade, beyond the deal, means two important things in a world that is becoming more protectionist. “Signing a deep trade agreement sends a positive signal globally, as well as telling businesses, civil society, cultural organizations and academic institutions that the relationship matters…”