India counters tariffs and sanctions with strategic trade ties, says PM's advisor

India's Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, PK Mishra, stated at the Kautilya Economic Conclave that India is countering tariffs and sanctions through strategic trade ties, as traditional trade mechanisms are increasingly weaponised for geopolitical leverage. Mishra highlighted that supply chain disruptions and maritime choke points have made geography a critical economic variable again, prompting India to build multi-layered buffers. New Delhi has expanded crude oil suppliers from 27 to 43 countries and launched the National Critical Mineral Mission with international alliances. India is also broadening trade agreements with partners like the UAE, Australia, the UK, and the EU to avoid single-point dependencies. Mishra concluded that the future belongs to nations that are steady without being closed, careful without being fearful, and ambitious without being naive.