Amitabh Kant Urges Patience on US 50% Tariffs, Highlights India-US Strategic Autonomy and China Maritime Concerns

Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant addressed the recent imposition of 50% tariffs by the United States on India, emphasizing that India should not compromise on its energy security or strategic autonomy. Kant advocated for a long-term perspective in India-US relations, highlighting the Prime Minister's decade-long investment in the partnership. He suggested that instead of retaliating with tariffs immediately, India should engage in negotiations over the next 20 days and consider encouraging joint ventures with Chinese companies to boost domestic manufacturing. Meanwhile, security concerns over China's maritime assertions have accelerated bilateral ties between India and the Philippines, reflecting a broader regional response to China's actions. The Quad Summit nations expressed concerns about China's activities in the East and South China Seas, North Korea's missile launches, and the Myanmar crisis. Analysts note that U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, including the tariffs and a perceived wavering commitment to allies, may embolden China and complicate U.S. alliances in Asia. Experts argue that favoring deals over deterrence could damage U.S. alliances, while others warn that the Trump administration's foreign policy may consolidate China's influence in South Asia to India's detriment. Additionally, the recent warming of relations between Washington and Islamabad has raised questions about the impact on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Overall, the evolving Indo-Pacific alliances are reshaping the global order amid these geopolitical tensions.