Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently shared his perspective on India’s position regarding US tariffs, emphasizing the significance of building relationships founded on trust. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2025, Sunak stated, “I think every country is gonna work on its own national interest. And that is entirely right.”
Sunak also voiced his disapproval of what he termed “transaction-based politics,” describing it as a “shame” and suggesting that such relationships yield limited long-term benefits. He asserted, “When you base your relationships on trust, I think they can, over time, be more powerful.”
Drawing from his own experience as Britain’s Prime Minister, Sunak cited his working relationship with Ursula von der Leyen of the European Union. He noted that despite facing “very difficult issues” concerning the UK’s post-Brexit ties with the EU, they were able to navigate these challenges effectively through mutual trust.
Addressing the broader geopolitical landscape and India’s navigation of US tariffs, Sunak observed that the global order he grew up in is evolving. “The old global order, which I grew up with, is gone. I don’t think it’s coming back. But a couple of themes are clear. I see more multipolarity, and countries will focus on their own strengths,” he explained.
The context for these remarks includes the US imposing a 50% tariff on Indian goods, with an additional 25% penalty on Russian energy purchases. While the US cites funding for the war in Ukraine as justification, India maintains its energy procurement decisions are based on market forces and national security needs, irrespective of geopolitical alignments.