India Is Turning Trump’s Trade Pressure Into Opportunity

Summary

Pushan Dutt, an INSEAD professor, tells Menaka Doshi that India faces geopolitical pressure and high U.S. tariffs but remains attractive due to its consumption-driven economy and long-term scale. He argues Trump tariffs have pushed India toward trade deals with the EU, UK, Oman, and New Zealand, opening its markets. The conversation also covers India's resilience agenda, manufacturing and labor challenges, and its complex ties with China and Pakistan.

• India faces geopolitical pressure and effective U.S. tariffs around 35%, with some exemptions.
• Dutt remains positive on India's fundamentals, consumption, and long-term scale.
• Trump tariffs have pushed India toward trade arrangements with the EU, UK, Oman, and New Zealand.
• India seeks technology transfer and investment from Europe as it pivots away from China.
• India is pushing resilience in financial, defense, and startup sectors.
• India still needs a larger manufacturing base and labor-market reforms; investment flows to Vietnam.
• India-China ties remain complicated by geography, differing strengths, and strategic tensions.
• The Board of Peace and Pakistan geopolitics are discussed but dismissed as not central.