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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at Business Today Mindrush 2025, emphasized the need to assess the consequences of both action and inaction in ongoing trade agreement discussions. In response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of reciprocal tariffs, the Indian government has reiterated its commitment to prioritizing national interests and confirmed that negotiations are actively underway.
Jaishankar highlighted that India is currently engaged in three major negotiations, including one with the United States. He noted the critical role of trade agreements in global economic relations, particularly for India today. The ongoing discussions include Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the European Union and the United Kingdom, as well as a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the U.S. Additionally, negotiations with New Zealand have recently commenced, with more agreements anticipated.
He further pointed out the importance of weighing the costs of action against inaction, especially regarding access to advanced technologies. “In today’s unpredictable global landscape, it is essential to understand the significance of these initiatives. We must carefully consider their costs and benefits, as well as the implications of both action and inaction, as these agreements may offer additional advantages, particularly in sensitive technologies,” he stated.
