The year 2025 was the year of trade deals and India performed brilliantly in it. When US President Donald Trump refused an equal trade deal and imposed tariffs to put pressure on many countries including India, then India chose the path of open trade. India signed agreements with many countries and started talks with many others. In an era of geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and weaponization of tariffs in the world, India’s trade policy appears more confident than ever.
While America under Trump’s leadership tried to get bilateral agreements done quickly by applying tariff pressure, India neither showed haste nor compromised on its policies. On the contrary, India quickly completed trade deals with New Zealand, Oman and Britain, making it clear that India is no longer being reactive but is taking decisions keeping in mind its long-term national interest.
India did not succumb to pressure
In 2025, America showed haste regarding trade deal and used tariffs as a weapon of pressure. Higher duties were imposed on India’s exports and penalties were also threatened on energy trade with Russia. The objective was clear to quickly get concessions from India in sensitive areas like agriculture and dairy.
But India did not bow down. The government made it clear that any agreement will be made only keeping in mind the economic reality and food security of the country. India clearly refused to open the dairy sector, which involves crores of small farmers. This was not a procrastination, but a solid strategic decision. Similarly, haste was avoided in the agricultural sector also.
Where there was respect, there was compromise
Unlike the US, talks with New Zealand, Oman and Britain took place without pressure. The agreement with Britain was balanced, taking into account the interests of Indian professionals, service sector and manufacturing. In the agreement with New Zealand, care was taken that India’s farming and dairying is not adversely affected. The deal with Oman strengthened India’s supply chain and energy security in the Gulf region. The special thing about these three agreements was trust. There was no compulsion here, nor any fake deadline.
India’s strategy: keeping options ready
India no longer wants to depend on a single market. Talks with the European Union, Peru, Chile, GCC countries and Canada are part of this thinking. This reduces the impact of pressure from any one country on India and increases strategic independence.
Indian way of dealing
India is not keeping distance from America. Talks are continuing, but now the equations have changed. Successful deals with other countries have made it clear that the US market is not necessary at all costs. India’s Trade Policy 2025 shows that stringency and flexibility can go hand in hand. Where there is pressure, India will stand firm. Where there is respect, there will be compromise. This is the art of the deal in India, thoughtfully, at the right time and keeping in mind the long-term benefits.