The U.S.-China rivalry and the U.S.’s aggressive tariff regime under Trump 2.0 show that economic interdependence does not prevent conflict — it can, in fact, amplify it. India, whose agriculture supports over 45% of its workforce, now faces the ripple effects of tariff wars launched by both the U.S. and China, highlighting the need for strategic resilience, diversified markets, and strong domestic safeguards.

BulletsIn:

* Globalisation once seen as conflict-reducing; now fueling strategic clashes

* U.S.–China economic dependence has increased leverage for trade conflicts

* Trump 2.0’s U.S. tariffs: 10% baseline on all imports + up to 50% punitive hikes

* Smaller nations like Togo also hit with 10% U.S. tariff

* China imposes 5-year anti-dumping tariff on Indian pesticide cypermethrin (48.4%–166.2%)

* China earlier restricted Indian fruits, onions, sugar

* U.S. actions create deep volatility in global agricultural markets

* India recalls 2018 episode: U.S. hiked steel/aluminium tariffs → India retaliated

* India’s tariffs on 28 U.S. goods hit American farmers; fruit & nut exports fell ~35%

* 2025 U.S. tariffs of 50% strain $48.2 bn India-U.S. trade; agriculture hardest hit

* Lesson: India must diversify markets, strengthen farm resilience, prepare calibrated retaliation