Trump’s tariff shock on India sparks Sunak’s sharp warning at World Summit 2025

Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has reacted strongly to US President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods. Speaking in New Delhi, Sunak said every country acts in its national interest, and that principle should not be questioned. He underlined that this approach was natural in today’s shifting global order. At the same time, he criticized transactional politics, calling it shallow and unproductive. Sunak stressed that trust must remain the foundation of international relations to bring lasting results.

Warning on end of global order

Sunak declared that the “old global order” he once grew up in is now over. He explained that a new multipolar world has arrived where nations depend on their own strengths. Referring to Brexit days, he said only cooperation built on trust worked in difficult negotiations. Sunak’s comments come at a sensitive moment, as India faces trade pressure. He believes that diplomacy in this new era must adapt quickly. This, he argued, is the reality of global politics today.

US tariffs strike Indian exports

President Donald Trump announced a sweeping 50% tariff on Indian exports, targeting multiple goods. In addition, Washington imposed a further 25% penalty tied to India’s purchase of crude oil and gas from Russia. This move has rattled Indian businesses and policymakers. The White House defended the measures, saying oil trade was funding Russia’s war against Ukraine. India, however, maintains that its energy decisions are guided only by market stability and national security.

India stands firm on oil imports

Despite US pressure, India continues to import crude oil from Russia. Officials insist the decision is about securing affordable and safe energy for its 1.4 billion citizens. Indian authorities argue that energy choices cannot be dictated by geopolitics. They say global south nations must protect their economic survival first. The Indian government has consistently defended its right to pursue independent oil purchases. Sunak noted that such stances reflect the reality of modern multipolar politics.

Trust versus transactional politics

Sunak reminded global leaders that short-term transactional deals deliver little value. He recalled his negotiations with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen during Brexit, where long-term trust helped resolve disputes. He emphasized that when nations build ties on genuine trust, they become stronger over time. By contrast, politics based only on profit and punishment rarely succeed. His message was clear—tariffs may be national policy, but trust remains the backbone of diplomacy.

Implications for Indo-US ties

The tariff shock comes at a time when India and the United States are strengthening their defense and technology ties. While both countries value their partnership, these new trade measures test the relationship. Analysts believe this will create friction in negotiations on trade and energy. Still, India is expected to respond calmly while securing its economic space. The coming months will reveal how both nations balance trust with hard interests.

A world moving toward multipolarity

Sunak’s remarks reflect the larger shift in international politics. The unipolar order led by one power is fading, and multipolarity is rising. Nations like India are asserting independent choices in trade and energy. Trump’s tariffs may mark a turning point, but they also underline this new reality. Sunak’s warning suggests countries must rethink how they build alliances. In his words, only trust can keep global partnerships alive in the long run.