Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: IN a coordinated and optimistic response to the potential impact of US tariffs, two of India’s key figures have outlined a robust, multi-sector strategy to safeguard the nation’s economy.
The strategy combines a focus on bolstering domestic sectors like tourism with a proactive approach to exploring new global markets, presenting a unified front against what some are calling “Trumpian tariffs.” Former G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant championed tourism as a powerful shield against economic headwinds.
Speaking at a recent conclave, he emphasised that in an era of geopolitical flux, tourism is the only sector with the potential to “compensate for the losses” caused by trade disruptions. “We should use this as an opportunity to drive tourism simply because no other sector can beat Trumpian tariffs,” Kant stated, framing the challenge as a unique chance to strengthen India’s hospitality and travel industries. This sentiment was echoed by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who directly addressed farmers concerned about export markets. Chouhan reassured them that India would “explore new geographies for exporting farm produce.”
He highlighted India’s vast domestic market and population of 1.4 billion people as a significant advantage, stating, “India’s 140 crore population is not a weakness but our strength.” This suggests that even if traditional export routes face obstacles, the sheer scale of domestic consumption can provide a crucial safety net for agricultural products.
Together, the statements from Kant and Chouhan paint a picture of a nation leveraging its core strengths—a burgeoning tourism sector and a massive domestic market—to navigate global trade challenges.
