Content:
- Trump’s tariff war as opportunity for the Global South
- GST 2.0 is a landmark in India’s tax journey
Trump’s tariff war as opportunity for the Global South
Basics
- Global Context:
- Rising economic nationalism and protectionism led by the U.S. under Trump.
- Challenges to liberal international order: free trade, multilateralism, global institutions.
- U.S. tariffs and sanctions reshaping global trade dynamics.
- India caught in cross-currents: balancing ties with the U.S., China, Russia, and Global South.
- Key Issue:
- U.S. tariffs, sanctions, and unilateralism disrupt India’s economy (textiles, gems, metals, auto parts).
- Erosion of 25 years of India-U.S. strategic convergence.
- Need for India to recalibrate strategy amid polycrisis (economic, geopolitical, technological).
Relevance :
- GS II (IR, Governance) – India–US relations, impact of protectionism on multilateralism, strategic autonomy, Global South leadership.
- GS III (Economy, Trade) – Effects of tariffs on exports, FDI flows, supply chains, energy security.
- GS I (Society & Diaspora) – Indian diaspora in U.S. facing racism and visa uncertainties.
Practice Question : How can India leverage the ongoing global protectionist wave to strengthen its leadership role in the Global South? (250 Words)

Trump’s Motivations
- Domestic Politics
- Pandering to “silent majority” resentful of globalisation’s inequities.
- Instead of structural reforms, resort to xenophobia, racism, and economic populism.
- Sanctions (30+ nations), tariffs (70+), attacks on immigration, trade blocs reshaped.
- Economic Strategy
- Tariffs = disguised tax on American consumers (70% burden).
- Goal: maintain U.S. economic dominance, curb China’s rise (26% vs 17% of global GDP).
- Protectionism, subsidies, and coercive trade tactics with hypocrisy (criticises India’s farm protections while imposing huge tariffs on tobacco, dairy, fruits).
- Geopolitics & Security
- Bipartisan consensus in U.S. on reversing deindustrialisation and checking China.
- Tariffs weaponised for leverage on Russia–Ukraine war.
- China seen as ultimate challenge → tariffs aligned with U.S. security and strategic interests.
Impacts on India
- Economic Impact
- Tariffs hurt textiles, jewellery, auto parts, metals.
- Farmers face pressure as U.S. demands India cut protections while it maintains high tariffs.
- India conceded on oil imports from Iran/Venezuela and cotton duties, weakening bargaining power.
- Geopolitical Impact
- U.S. re-hyphenating India–Pakistan; renewing ties with Islamabad.
- Quad commitments uncertain; U.S. firms hesitant in India.
- India–China tensions exploited; two-front security problem intensifies.
- Societal Impact
- Indian diaspora facing racism amid U.S. political climate.
What New Delhi Must Do
- Re-examine Assumptions
- Don’t overestimate “democratic counterweight to China” narrative.
- Recognise limits of U.S. convergence; protect national interests.
- Adopt Firm Negotiating Posture
- U.S. respects strength, not compliance.
- Avoid unnecessary concessions (Iran oil, cotton duties).
- Balance ties with multiple powers (multi-alignment > symbolic alliances).
- Correct Foreign Policy Adventurism
- Limit over-personalised diplomacy, diaspora theatrics.
- Prioritise strategic interests over symbolic gestures.
- Leverage Polycrisis
- Champion multipolarity as an alternative to U.S. unipolarity or China–U.S. bipolarity.
- Push for a New Economic Deal – fairer rules for Global South, reform of multilateral institutions.
- Address Domestic Structural Weaknesses
- Revive manufacturing (lowest in 40 years).
- Tackle unemployment, private investment stagnation, poor R&D.
- Use PSUs strategically like China’s SOEs.
- Build bipartisan consensus at home, coordinate with Global South abroad.
Larger Significance for India
- Short-Term: Protect economy from tariffs, secure energy supplies, manage U.S. unpredictability.
- Medium-Term: Avoid two-front security trap; balance U.S. and China ties.
- Long-Term: Lead Global South by advocating equitable globalisation, inclusive multilateralism, and multipolar world order.
GST 2.0 is a landmark in India’s tax journey
Basics
- GST (Goods and Services Tax): A destination-based indirect tax introduced in 2017, subsuming multiple central & state taxes (excise, VAT, service tax).
- GST Council (Art. 279A): Apex decision-making body chaired by Union Finance Minister with state FMs as members.
- Earlier Structure: Multiple slabs (0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%), causing complexity, inverted duty structures, and compliance burden.
Relevance :
- GS III (Economy) – Tax simplification, inverted duty correction, MSME relief, green growth incentives.
- GS II (Governance & Federalism) – GST Council (Art. 279A), cooperative federalism, dispute resolution via GSTAT.
- GS I (Society) – Relief on essentials, healthcare, insurance, rural/agri impact, job creation in labour-intensive sectors.
Practice Question : Critically analyse the role of GST reforms in advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. (250 Words)
Structural Simplification
- Shift from 4 major slabs → 2 slabs:
- 18% Standard Rate
- 5% Merit Rate
- 40% De-merit Rate for luxury/sin goods (e.g., tobacco, high-end SUVs).
- Impact: Reduces complexity, boosts predictability, and aligns with global “simple tax” practices.
Relief for Households & Consumers
- Exempted: UHT milk, paneer, chapati, paratha (essentials).
- 5% bracket: Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, bicycles, kitchenware.
- Reduced: Packaged foods, noodles, chocolates, beverages.
- Outcome: More disposable income, higher consumption, improved equity.
Health & Insurance Boost
- Zero GST on life and health insurance – improves penetration, supports senior citizens and low-income families.
- Exemptions/reductions on drugs & devices for cancer, rare diseases, chronic conditions → affordable healthcare, lower out-of-pocket expenditure.
Agriculture & Farmers
- Tractors, farm machinery @ 5%.
- Fertilizers & key inputs (sulphuric acid, ammonia) @ 5% (down from 18%).
- Outcome: Lower cultivation costs, higher productivity, better farm incomes.
Labour-Intensive & Traditional Sectors
- Rate cuts for handicrafts, marble, granite, leather goods.
- Impact: Demand revival, job protection, export competitiveness, preservation of traditional industries.
Key Sectoral Corrections
- Textiles: MMF & yarn @ 5% → removes inverted duty anomaly, boosts exports & jobs.
- Cement: From 28% → 18% → reduces construction cost, boosts housing & infra growth.
- Renewables & auto parts: Lower rates → accelerates green growth & EV ecosystem.
- Hospitality & wellness: Rationalized → tourism revival & service sector growth.
Institutional & Process Reforms
- GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT): Operational by end-2025 → faster dispute resolution, legal consistency.
- Provisional refunds for inverted duty cases → liquidity support to businesses.
- Risk-based compliance checks & harmonized valuation rules → lower compliance burden, less litigation.
Fiscal & Economic Balance
- Phased implementation from Sept 22, 2025 → protects revenue while ensuring immediate consumer benefits.
- Demand push + investment revival → short-term growth stimulus, long-term revenue buoyancy.
Stakeholder Alignment
- Many CII recommendations accepted → simplification, healthcare relief, farm support, textile competitiveness.
- Reflects consultative federalism & partnership with industry.
Big Picture – GST 2.0
- A citizen-centric reform rather than just a technical tax change.
- Promotes inclusive growth: benefits households, farmers, workers, MSMEs, and traditional industries.
- Aligns with Viksit Bharat 2047 by simplifying taxation, boosting competitiveness, and strengthening institutions.