Before analyzing America’s recent decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian exports, I want to take everyone back to the year 1965. That was the time of the India–Pakistan war, and once again, America stood firmly behind Pakistan, even showing hostility toward India. At that time, India was heavily dependent on the U.S. for food aid through the PL-480 program—in simple terms, living on American charity.
The then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri did not bow to U.S. pressure. Instead, he appealed to Indians to observe a weekly fast, signaling India’s resolve to become self-reliant. In 1965, India’s population was just 493 million (49.3 crore), about one-third of today’s figure. Out of this adversity was born the decision to never rely on foreign crumbs again. Soon after, in 1967, the Green Revolution began, transforming India into a food-secure nation.
From Hunger to Surplus
Similarly, India also witnessed the White Revolution in the late 1960s. In a country where milk was once scarce, India is today the world’s largest producer and consumer of milk, and also an important exporter.
America’s Tariff Shock in 2025
Today, history repeats itself. The U.S. has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian exports, especially targeting diamonds, textiles, gems & jewellery, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and electronics. On the surface, this appears to be a huge loss: India’s annual exports to the U.S. stand at US $86.5 billion, meaning an estimated impact of $41 billion.
But is this really only a curse? Or could it also be a blessing in disguise?
Because while India exports $86.5 billion worth of goods to the U.S., America too exports goods worth $45.3 billion to India—mainly mineral fuels ($14.3 bn), precious stones & metals ($5.3 bn), machinery ($4.4 bn), electronic equipment ($3.4 bn), and aircraft ($1.7 bn).
So, the question arises: if India’s $86 billion trade is under threat, is not America’s $45 billion trade equally at risk?
The Hypocrisy of U.S. Policy
The U.S. claims to punish India for importing Russian oil, but at the same time engages Russia directly for its own benefit. This double standard exposes America’s selective morality.
President Trump may champion “America First”, but Prime Minister Modi too must stand firm on “India First.”
History shows us that China never bowed before American pressure. Instead, China retaliated with countermeasures, forcing the U.S. to respect its economic power. India too must adopt the same approach.
A Bold Response Needed
If America truly wishes to hurt India through tariffs, then India should also consider hitting where it matters most: digital dominance. Platforms like Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Apple services, and Twitter/X harvest massive amounts of Indian user data, feeding directly into American companies and intelligence networks.
A bold move—restricting or banning these platforms in favor of Indian alternatives—could deliver a far greater shock to the U.S. economy than tariffs ever could. After all, even Dubai bans WhatsApp calls, relying on its own platforms. Why not India?
Imagine if India builds its own YouTube, Twitter, Google Maps, and WhatsApp equivalents— the value created would far exceed today’s $86 billion in exports. Just as Dr. M.S. Swaminathan (Green Revolution) and Dr. Verghese Kurien (White Revolution) transformed Indian agriculture and dairy, India must now build its own IT Revolution by recalling talent and investing in homegrown platforms.
A Future of Self-Reliance
India already has global pride through ISRO in space technology. The time has come to extend the same ambition to private space science (like SpaceX), digital platforms, and high-value manufacturing.
Just as India became the world’s food provider through the Green Revolution, it must now rise as a global power in digital sovereignty, space research, and agricultural exports.
Sometimes bitter medicine is necessary for healing. America’s tariffs may look like a curse today, but they may also be the trigger for India to build a new, stronger foundation of self-reliance and global leadership.
By Suresh Manchanda
(The content of this article reflects the views of writers and contributors, not necessarily those of the publisher and editor. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts and forums in Delhi/New Delhi only)
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