Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak addressed the ongoing tensions surrounding the United States’ tariffs on Indian goods during the NDTV World Summit 2025 on October 17, 2025. Responding to questions about India’s stand amid the US-imposed 50% tariffs, Sunak emphasized that countries naturally act in alignment with their national interests and underlined the importance of trust-based diplomatic relations over transactional engagements.

National Interest and Global Multipolarity

Sunak remarked, “I think every country is gonna work on its own national interest. And that is entirely right.” He stressed that it is reasonable for nations to prioritize their economic, political, and security concerns, particularly in an era of shifting global power dynamics. His statement comes in the backdrop of the US imposing steep tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25% penalty targeting purchases of Russian energy. Washington has cited these transactions as indirectly funding Russia’s war in Ukraine, while India has consistently defended its energy policy as being guided by market forces and national security imperatives, rather than geopolitical alignments.

Reflecting on the evolving global order, Sunak noted that the world he grew up in is no longer relevant. “The old global order, which I grew up with, is gone. I don’t think it’s coming back. But a couple of themes are clear. I see more multipolarity, and countries will focus on their own strengths,” he said. His comments highlighted that countries like India, with large domestic markets and strategic geopolitical positioning, will increasingly chart independent foreign and economic policies, balancing relations among multiple global powers.

Critique of Transactional Politics

Sunak criticized the reliance on transactional politics in international relations, describing it as “a shame.” He explained that relationships based solely on transactions—such as immediate quid pro quo agreements—yield limited long-term benefits. “When you base your relationships on trust, I think they can, over time, be more powerful,” Sunak said. He emphasized that trust allows countries to navigate complex issues more effectively, fostering resilience in bilateral and multilateral relations.

To illustrate the point, Sunak cited his own experience negotiating with the European Union during his tenure as Britain’s Prime Minister. He specifically mentioned Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and how a relationship grounded in trust helped both parties navigate “very difficult issues” surrounding the post-Brexit arrangement between the UK and the EU. He argued that such an approach, grounded in reliability and mutual respect, was far more productive than focusing solely on immediate, transactional gains.

Implications for India

Sunak’s remarks resonate particularly in the context of India’s response to the US tariffs. While Washington has imposed a 50% duty on Indian exports, including a 25% surcharge linked to India’s purchase of Russian energy, India maintains that its energy procurement is based on domestic needs and economic rationale. Indian authorities have consistently asserted that securing affordable energy for its population is a priority and that these decisions are independent of global geopolitical pressure.

By highlighting the principle of trust over transactional arrangements, Sunak’s comments implicitly support India’s stance of navigating international pressures while safeguarding its national interests. His perspective encourages a diplomatic approach that balances strategic autonomy with multilateral engagement, rather than succumbing to short-term coercive measures.

The Shift in Global Geopolitics

Sunak also addressed the broader shift in the international order, noting the increasing multipolarity of global politics. He observed that the concentration of power among a few Western nations, characteristic of the Cold War and early post-Cold War period, is now giving way to a world where multiple powers—including India, China, and other emerging economies—exercise significant influence.

In this evolving landscape, Sunak suggested that countries will focus on leveraging their unique strengths, whether in technology, manufacturing, energy, or diplomacy, to advance national priorities. For India, this implies maintaining strategic autonomy in energy procurement, trade policy, and diplomatic engagements, while still engaging constructively with traditional allies like the US and UK.

Encouraging Long-Term Trust

One of Sunak’s central arguments was that trust-based international relations yield more durable outcomes than purely transactional deals. By cultivating trust, countries can navigate sensitive issues without escalating conflict or creating long-term dependency. This approach, he argued, is particularly valuable in an era of uncertainty, where abrupt policy shifts—such as sudden tariffs or sanctions—can destabilize global trade and investment flows.

Sunak’s remarks also reflected on the importance of strategic patience. He suggested that countries like India, balancing relations with both Western powers and other global actors, can use trust as a leverage point to ensure stability and continuity in their international partnerships. This is particularly relevant in light of the US-India trade negotiations, ongoing energy procurement discussions, and broader geopolitical shifts involving Russia, China, and Europe.

Conclusion

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s comments at the NDTV World Summit 2025 provide a nuanced perspective on the challenges facing India amid the US tariffs. By emphasizing national interest, trust-based relationships, and the rise of multipolarity, Sunak highlighted a pragmatic framework for navigating global diplomacy in an era of complex interdependencies. His critique of transactional politics and endorsement of trust as a cornerstone of international relations underscore the need for countries to balance immediate pressures with long-term strategic goals.

For India, these insights validate its position of safeguarding national interests while engaging selectively with global powers, ensuring that energy security, economic growth, and strategic autonomy remain central pillars of policy. Sunak’s reflections serve as a timely reminder that enduring partnerships are built not on temporary concessions but on credibility, reliability, and mutual respect, providing a roadmap for India and other nations navigating an increasingly multipolar and unpredictable world.