NEW DELHI — Following the sudden de-escalation of trade tensions between New Delhi and Washington, Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM), captured the national mood with a single, evocative sentence on social media.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Viral Remark
Shortly after US President Donald Trump announced a significant reduction in tariffs on Indian goods, Sanyal took to X (formerly Twitter) to post:
“Duniya jhukti hai, jhukaney wala chahiye…” (The world bows, you just need someone who can make it bow…)
The comment, which quickly went viral, is being seen as a bold assertion of India’s growing economic “clout” and its refusal to blink during months of high-stakes “reciprocal tariff” negotiations.
A Strategic “Win-Win”
The deal, finalized on February 2, 2026, marks a major pivot in bilateral relations. Key highlights include:
- Tariff Rollback: The US has reduced reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports from 25% to 18%, effective immediately.
- Competitive Edge: At 18%, India now enjoys a more favorable trade position than several regional rivals. For comparison, the US currently levies 19% on Indonesia, 20% on Vietnam, and a steep 34% on China.
- Energy and Geopolitics: In a move tied to global stability, India has reportedly agreed to halt purchases of Russian oil, opting instead to source energy from the US and potentially Venezuela. President Trump noted that this shift is a critical step toward ending the conflict in Ukraine.
Market and Industry Reaction
The announcement triggered a massive rally on Dalal Street, with the Sensex surging over 3,600 points. Labor-intensive sectors, including textiles, gems and jewelry, and specialty chemicals, are expected to be the primary beneficiaries of the lower tariff regime.
The Bottom Line
Sanyal’s remark underscores a shift in India’s diplomatic narrative. By framing the deal as the result of steadfastness rather than concession, the government is signaling that India’s market size and strategic autonomy have reached a point where global powers must negotiate on more equitable terms.
