'They Are Reality': EAM Jaishankar Says Tariffs And Sanctions Increasingly Used By Countries

Jaishankar's remarks come amid the United States announcing various tariffs on the import of goods from several countries, including Canada and India.

Jaishankar was speaking at a panel discussion at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi on Wednesday.

Source : PTI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said tariffs and sanctions are increasingly used by countries to protect their economic interests, noting that evolving international relations have eroded the lines dividing various domains.

Jaishankar was speaking at a panel discussion "Commissars and Capitalists: Politics, Business and New World Order" at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi on Wednesday.

"Tariffs, sanctions, I think, whether we would like it or not, they are a reality, countries use them. In fact, if one looks at the last decade, I would say we have seen a much greater weaponisation of pretty much any kind of capability or any kind of economic activity. It could be financial flows, it could be energy supplies, it could be technology," he said.

His remarks come amid the United States announcing various tariffs on the import of goods from several countries, including Canada and India.

"This is a reality of the world. You fight for your business because you are fighting for your employment, you are fighting for your comprehensive national power, of which business makes a very important contribution,” he said.

Jaishankar added, "I think today, the lines dividing different domains have eroded. If you see in international relations, I think it's a less restrained culture today than it was a decade ago."

On March 13, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticised the tariffs imposed by various nations on the United States, She referred to the tariffs imposed by India on American alcohol and agricultural products.

“I have a handy chart here that shows not just Canada but the rate of tariffs across the board. If you look at Canada, since you brought it up, American cheese and butter have a nearly 300 per cent tariff,” Leavitt said during a press briefing.

She added that US President Donald Trump believes in reciprocity and wants fair and balanced trade practices.