[Answered] Trump’s tariff war presents a geo-economic opportunity for the Global South. Examine the strategic imperatives for India to leverage this unfolding polycrisis to reshape the global architecture.”

Introduction

Trump’s tariff war, involving sanctions on 30+ nations and tariffs on 70, disrupts global trade flows. For the Global South, particularly India, this polycrisis offers a rare chance to redefine geo-economic and strategic architecture.

Why the Tariff War is an Opportunity for the Global South

1. Rebalancing Globalisation: Tariffs expose fragility of neoliberal globalisation: rising inequality, wealth concentration, and dependency on G-7 economies. Global South can push for multipolarity in trade governance.
2. Erosion of U.S. Hegemony: Despite controlling 26% of global GDP, U.S. actions alienate partners. China’s rise (17% of global GDP) and BRICS expansion create space for South-led alternatives.
3. Precedent of Protectionism: U.S. tariffs of 350% on tobacco, 200% on dairy, 120% on fruits highlight Global North’s double standards. India and peers can question WTO asymmetries and demand fairer market access.

Strategic Imperatives for India

1. Champion Multipolarity: Move from symbolic non-alignment to multi-alignment, engaging U.S., EU, BRICS, ASEAN, AU simultaneously. Lead Global South platforms (G-20, BRICS+) to advocate debt relief, trade equity, and fair climate finance.
2. Recalibrate U.S. Ties: Avoid over-reliance on the India-U.S. strategic partnership, given Washington’s tilt towards Pakistan and conditionality on defence/tech transfer. Assert sovereignty by resisting unilateral diktats (e.g., oil bans on Iran, Venezuela).
3. Strengthen Domestic Economic Base: Manufacturing at a four-decade low; unemployment at 7–8% (CMIE 2025). Focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat 2.0 with investment in R&D, MSMEs, and strategic PSU deployment like China’s SOEs.
4. Leverage Geo-economic Instruments: Diversify trade with Global South (Africa, Latin America, ASEAN). Negotiate in rare earths, food security, pharma, and digital trade to increase bargaining power with U.S. and China.
5. Forge South-South Solidarity: Push for a New Economic Deal addressing sovereign debt, taxation justice, and development financing. Example: International Solar Alliance as a template for South-led collective institutions.
6. Diplomatic Realignment: Invest in bipartisan consensus at home and multiparty diplomacy abroad. Shed over-personalised diplomacy; strengthen institutional foreign policy for credibility.

Way Forward

1. Use BRICS+ and SCO to build financial alternatives to the dollar (de-dollarisation momentum).
2. Advocate at WTO for structural reforms ensuring equity in agricultural subsidies, technology access, and dispute settlement.
3. Build coalitions in the Global South against neo-mercantilist tariffs and champion climate justice as part of economic justice.

Conclusion

True autonomy lies in restructuring unequal dependencies. India must harness Trump’s tariff disruptions to lead the Global South toward an equitable, multipolar economic order.