Wed Dec 17 07:08:14 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article rewrite of the provided text:
Summary:
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated on December 17, 2025, that global trade is increasingly being used as a weapon through tariffs and other measures. She emphasized that India needs to carefully navigate these challenges, leveraging its economic strength for an advantage. While acknowledging criticism that India is inward-looking, she defended the country’s use of tariffs as a protective measure against predatory practices. She also pointed out the hypocrisy of some nations criticizing tariffs while simultaneously implementing them without facing scrutiny. Her remarks come amidst global trade disruptions caused by high tariffs, particularly those imposed by the U.S., and recent tariff announcements by Mexico.
News Article:
India Navigates Weaponized Global Trade, Finance Minister Warns
NEW DELHI, December 17, 2025 – Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today warned that global trade is increasingly being weaponized through tariffs and other protectionist measures. Speaking at the Times Network’s India Economic Conclave 2025, Ms. Sitharaman emphasized that India must carefully negotiate its way through this increasingly complex landscape.
“Trade is getting weaponized… and India will have to negotiate its way carefully,” the Minister stated, adding that the country’s overall economic strength would provide a crucial advantage.
Ms. Sitharaman defended India’s use of tariffs as a safeguard for domestic industries against predatory trade practices. She pushed back against criticism that India is overly inward-looking, pointing out the hypocrisy of nations that condemn tariffs but then readily implement them without facing similar scrutiny. “India only safeguarded its domestic industries against flooding which happens from a predator,” she said.
The Finance Minister’s comments are particularly relevant amid ongoing global trade disruptions fueled by high tariffs imposed by the United States, as well as recent tariff announcements by Mexico. The global trade tensions continue to highlight the increasingly complex and challenging environment for international commerce.
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