Mint Quick Edit | Tariff opponents must speak up

Market crashes around the world in response to the US president’s harsh levies, it seems, have been the trigger. 

Also Read: Mint Quick Edit | Monday’s market mayhem was no surprise

Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, Republican Senator Ted Cruz and even Elon Musk are among those who have expressed qualms over what the White House unveiled on 2 April. 

Also Read: Vivek Kaul: ‘Stupid, stupid, stupid’ is the only way to describe US tariffs

While Team Trump has been defending tariffs as being good for America over the long haul, it is by no means clear that US interests will eventually be served. It is simply a gamble, one that needs to be called off. The sooner Americans make this clear to Trump, the better it will be for the world. 

Also Read: As Trump tariffs reshape global trade, India must adapt fast

As for India’s position, although there may be a few gains to be made here and there, the country must look beyond the immediate fallout. If the US wager goes wrong, and the odds of its success are looking poor, the world could be staring at a grand shift in global power long before its time. If India is to play the role of an earnest strategic partner of the US, then it should speak frankly too. There’s too much at stake for everyone.