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In an apparent attack on both the United States and China, Jaishankar accused wealthy nations of hypocrisy in global trade and selective responses to crises.
Jaishankar said that countries like India face unfair trade pressures due to arbitrary tariff changes. (Photo: Reuters)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Sep 28, 2025 03:04 IST
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, in an apparent attack on both the United States and China, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar accused wealthy nations of hypocrisy in global trade and selective responses to crises. He warned that tariff volatility, technology restrictions and coercive supply-chain practices were undermining trust in the international system, while urging the Global South to resist protectionist pressures.
Jaishankar said Bharat "will always maintain its freedom of choice," as he called for de-risking in global trade and supply chains, warning against tariff volatility, technology restrictions, and coercive supply-chain practices, while urging the Global South to resist protectionist policies.
INDIA HITS OUT AT TRADE HYPOCRISY
He also pointed to the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump indirectly, and said that countries like India face unfair trade pressures due to arbitrary tariff changes and barriers imposed by developed economies.
"We now see tariff volatility and uncertain market access as a result. De-risking is a growing compulsion, whether from limited sources of supply, or over dependence on a particular market," he said.
In a pointed remark seen as aimed at China, Jaishankar called for "de-risking" of critical mineral supply chains. He added that economic challenges were being compounded by "heightened technology control" and the "grip on supply chains and critical minerals."
India’s foreign minister also lashed out at richer nations for their conduct during the Covid-19 pandemic. "Better-off societies insulated themselves by having the first call, as the resource-pressed ones scrambled to survive, only to hear sanctimonious lectures thereafter," he said.
"As the most populous nation, as a civilisational state, as a rapidly growing major economy, we are confident about who we are, and what we will be. Bharat will always maintain its freedom of choice. And will always be a voice of the Global South," he added.
Jaishankar’s speech followed a Brics foreign ministers’ meeting hosted by India on Friday at the sidelines of the UNGA. He urged the 10-member bloc to remain "a strong voice of reason and constructive change" at a time when multilateralism "is under stress."
BRICS WARNS AGAINST TRADE-RESTRICTIVE ACTIONS
In a joint statement, Brics members expressed concern about the "proliferation of trade-restrictive actions," including tariffs and non-tariff barriers, warning they could disrupt supply chains, worsen economic inequality, and fragment global trade.
"They cautioned against such practices that risk fragmenting global trade and marginalising the Global South," the ministers said.
However, Brics has been targeted by US President Donald Trump, who accused it of pushing anti-American policies such as promoting trade in local currencies. He warned of imposing punitive tariffs of up to 100 per cent on member states, including China, Brazil, and South Africa.
INDIA-US TARIFF DEADLOCK
Tensions between New Delhi and Washington have sharpened over India’s imports of Russian oil. Trump has already slapped 50 per cent tariffs on India as punishment for continuing purchases despite US warnings.
Talks between Indian and US trade officials in New York earlier this week failed to resolve the deadlock. India has pressed the US to roll back these levies, arguing affordable energy is critical for its 1.4 billion people.
Indian negotiators reminded Washington that during Trump’s first term, New Delhi had to halt imports from Iran and Venezuela due to sanctions. If Russian imports are also curtailed, they said, India would be left with no viable alternatives.
- Ends
With inputs form agenics
Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Sep 28, 2025
