Rajnath Singh Reveals the Strategy Behind India's Silent Response to the U.S.

It's a question that has been on the minds of many: when the United States imposed tariffs on Indian goods, why didn't India retaliate with the same force? In the world of international politics, a move like that is often met with a swift, tit-for-tat response. Yet, India chose a different path. Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh offered a glimpse into the strategic thinking behind that decision.Speaking at an event, Singh explained that India's response was not a sign of weakness, but a carefully calculated move rooted in the nation's long-term interests and its core foreign policy values.He reminded everyone that while America is a powerful nation, India is no longer seen as a weak country on the global stage. The decision to not immediately impose heavy retaliatory tariffs wasn't made out of fear, but out of a desire to maintain a crucial strategic relationship. "Friendships are meant to be nurtured," Singh stated, emphasizing that even when friends have disagreements, the goal should be to resolve them without breaking the relationship.The core of the strategy was to protect India's national interest, which, in this case, meant preserving the broader India-U.S. partnership. Singh explained that a full-blown trade war would have had negative consequences for both nations. Instead of escalating the conflict, the Indian government believed that dialogue and diplomacy were the better tools to resolve the issue. The aim was to find a solution through conversation, not confrontation.This approach reflects a principle that has guided India's foreign policy for years: the idea of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which means "the world is one family." Singh pointed out that this philosophy encourages seeing other countries not just as nations, but as partners in a global community. While India is fully prepared to stand its ground to protect its self-respect and sovereignty, it also believes in the power of maintaining good relations.So, while the immediate reaction from the public might have been a call for strong retaliation, the government was playing a longer, more strategic game. The decision was based on the understanding that sometimes, the most powerful response isn't about showing force, but about demonstrating wisdom and prioritizing the stability of a critical global partnership. It was a choice to look beyond a single trade dispute and focus on the much larger picture of India's role in the world.