India not a major topic of discussion, says Anand Mahindra; sees ‘significant opportunity’ amid US trade wars

Of late, global attention has fixated on the US-China tariff clash, and during this Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra has called out India’s glaring absence from the discourse. He noted that while headlines dissect China’s retaliation, India remains a non-topic of discussion in a post on X.

The industrialist’s remarks came amid US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, including a 26% duty on Indian goods. Yet, Mahindra argues this oversight masks a pivotal opportunity for India to leverage its domestic strength and democratic stability in a shifting global order.

A quiet moment of opportunity

Despite India being hit with tariffs, Mahindra suggested the nation could benefit from the evolving trade order if it acted wisely. “Not long from now, India will be the world’s third-largest economy and the largest democracy. With strong domestic consumption and robust indigenous supply chains, India is uniquely positioned,” he stated.

Most of the speculation today in global fora on the global impact of the U.S tariffs revolves around China: What might be its reaction (China today announced strong retaliatory tariffs) and how it might, in fact, BENEFIT from a new world order.

India, admittedly, is not a major… https://t.co/sl1VDuaVMc

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) April 4, 2025

Further, he urged Indian policymakers to avoid knee-jerk responses and instead craft strategic, forward-looking trade policies. In his view, the tariff upheaval could be a turning point for India to emerge as a reliable pillar in a multipolar world.

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How can India brave the US tariffs?

• Domestic consumption: Accounts for 60% of GDP, insulating the Indian economy from global trade shocks.
• Indigenous supply chains: Strengthened post-pandemic, reducing dependency on foreign inputs.
• Democratic credibility: Positions India as a stable alternative to geopolitical rivals.

Critical steps he advocates:

• Policy agility: Fast-track labor and land reforms to attract manufacturing shifts from China.
• Trade diplomacy: Negotiate bilateral deals with the EU and ASEAN to diversify partnerships.
• Tech investment: Boost R&D in sectors like semiconductors and renewables, spared from the highest U.S. tariffs.

Global Rebalancing: Quiet Moves, Loud Potential

While Asia reacts—South Korea, China, and Japan held rare trade talks—India’s calm contrasts with the chaos. Analysts note that global firms seeking alternatives to China are eyeing India’s USD 3.7 trillion GDP and 1.4 billion-strong consumer base.

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Market realities:

U.S. markets (Nasdaq, S&P 500) plunged 4.5% and 3.4% post-tariff announcements.

India’s Nifty 50 dipped 2.1%, but Mahindra insists short-term pain could yield long-term gain.

Public Sentiment: Outrage Misses the Bigger Picture

Online, users echoed Mahindra’s stance. “India’s silence isn’t weakness but a strategy,” one commenter noted. Others highlighted the need to position India as a “stability anchor” for nations wary of U.S.-China volatility.

The Road Ahead: Seizing the Unseen Advantage

Mahindra’s message to policymakers is clear: Use this moment to build, not retaliate. With the right reforms, India could transform its ‘non-topic’ status into a launching pad for global leadership.