- The session mainly revolved around how technology, trade, and tariff are viewed in contemporary geopolitics and how India is being affected both positively and negatively by recent developments.
- Professor Sachin Chaturvedi pointed out that the interest rates that Global South countries, particularly those from Africa, have to pay on loans from these institutions are significantly higher than those paid by Western European countries.
- Ambassador Smita Purushottam supported this argument, stating that countries adopting protectionist policies would become more isolated, leading to significant economic disparities worldwide.
- The key conclusion from this debate was that India needs to enhance its capacities while maintaining a balance between external inputs and its own capabilities.
India Foundation, a Delhi-based NGO, in collaboration with the Indian Habitat Centre, organized a thought-provoking session on ‘The Geopolitics of Technology, Trade, and Tariff’ on March 17, 2025, at the Indian Habitat Centre. For this discussion, eminent discussants like Ambassador Smita Purushottam, founder of Science Indigenous Technology and Advanced Research Accelerator (SITARA), Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General of Research and Information System for Developing Countries, and former Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar were invited. The session was moderated by Mr. Alok Bansal, an author and director of the India Foundation. Important contributions were also made by Pawan Chaurasiya from the India Foundation.
The event saw participation from a wide array of attendees, including entrepreneurs, academicians, students, and diplomatic correspondents, all of whom contributed to the discussion. The session mainly revolved around how technology, trade, and tariffs are viewed in contemporary geopolitics and how India is being affected both positively and negatively by recent developments. A significant discussion was also held on how the concept of tariffs has taken centre stage with the return of President Trump to the White House.
This was further echoed by Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, who stated that someone needs to tell President Trump that the concept of tariffs, which he promotes, disrupts the global supply chain in the modern, globalized world. He added that while tariffs might have been effective 20 years ago, they are not as impactful now, and the aftermath of such policies would likely be seen in the next 2–3 months. Ambassador Smita Purushottam supported this argument, stating that countries adopting protectionist policies would become more isolated, leading to significant economic disparities worldwide.
Another major topic of discussion was the relevance and impact of international monetary institutions like the IMF and the World Bank. Professor Chaturvedi pointed out that the interest rates that Global South countries, particularly those from Africa, have to pay on loans from these institutions are significantly higher than those paid by Western European countries. He emphasized that this is creating severe economic disparities and that India is emerging as the voice of the Global South, raising these concerns in various G20 summits.
Following the talks on technology, an analytical discussion took place on the concept of *Atmanirbhar Bharat* and its comparison with China. The discussion highlighted how China has created economic dominance over the past few years. The key conclusion from this debate was that India needs to enhance its capacities while maintaining a balance between external inputs and its capabilities. External inputs should complement, rather than replace, domestic capabilities. Ambassador Smita Purushottam compared the European Union, explaining how the EU is facing economic stagnation due to its failure to balance external inputs with domestic capabilities.
At the end of the discussion, participants were invited to ask questions. Several thought-provoking queries were raised, including concerns about the impact of tariffs on Indian companies, particularly in the steel sector. One of the key questions was about the fate of Indian steel companies if steel manufacturers from China and Japan redirected their exports to India instead of the United States. Many other relevant questions were posed, making it a highly engaging and timely discussion, especially given the ongoing debates on tariffs and the growing role of technology in contemporary geopolitics.
Aayush Pal is a freelance writer on contemporary geopolitical developments. The views expressed in his work are entirely his own.
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