No permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests: Rajnath Singh amid Trump’s tariffs

Amid escalating tariff tensions with the United States, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday remarked that in international relations, “there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies, only permanent interests”.

Speaking at an event in Delhi, Singh said this approach would strengthen India’s security and secure its place among emerging global powers. “This vision is being reflected in every decision we take. In today’s fast-changing world, even developed countries are embracing protectionism, and trade and tariff wars are intensifying,” he noted.

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The Defence Minister’s comments came in response to US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, blaming what he described as unfair trade practices and Delhi’s refusal to halt the import of Russian crude oil.

Also Read: US court rules Trump’s reciprocal tariffs on most countries are ‘illegal’

The Defence Minister made it clear that India will not compromise on the welfare of its people.

“India does not consider anyone its enemy. However, for us, the interests of our farmers, small businessmen and citizens are a priority, and we cannot compromise with the welfare of our people at any cost. No matter how much we are pressurised, India will continue to prioritise the rights of our farmers, businessmen, poultry farmers, shopkeepers and citizens,” Singh said.

He also stressed the government aims to implement the proposed Sudarshan Chakra air defence system within the next decade, to provide comprehensive aerial security for all critical installations across the country.

Singh said the government plans to provide complete aerial security to all important installations across the country under the proposed Sudarshan Chakra air defence system within the next 10 years.

“As we saw during Operation Sindoor, the importance of air defence capability in today’s wars has increased to a great extent. In such a scenario, the Sudarshan Chakra mission will certainly prove to be a game changer,” he said.