Jeffrey Sachs Warns India: Lessons from Trump’s Tariffs — Don’t Rely on Unstable Promises

The conversation came after Trump’s contradictory moves—urging Europe to impose 100% tariffs on India and China, only to later declare on social media that trade talks with India were back on track. While Prime Minister Modi responded with cautious reciprocity, Jeffrey Sachs argued that India should not take Trump’s overtures at face value.

Calling the United States “unstable, protectionist, and untrustworthy,” Jeffrey Sachs warned that Trump’s flip-flops were symptomatic of a deeper crisis in American politics. He emphasized that Washington seeks to use India as a pawn against China and Russia, not as a genuine partner in development. Jeffrey Sachs also criticized the Quad, describing it as a U.S. tool to pit India against China, and urged New Delhi to pursue stable multipolar relations instead.

On economics, Jeffrey Sachs advised India to diversify trade beyond the U.S., strengthen ties with Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and focus on inclusive domestic growth through education. He even suggested India consider joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) for long-term strategic advantage.

Barkha Dutt noted Jeffrey Sachs ’ blunt caution: India must not be swayed by Trump’s erratic rhetoric, as the U.S. will ultimately act only in its own transactional interests.