Building India’s Economic Resilience: Lessons from Suniel Shetty on Tariff Wars and Strategic Leverage

In a world increasingly defined by geopolitical tensions and trade skirmishes, Bollywood icon and entrepreneur Suniel Shetty recently shared a thoughtful perspective on social media that cuts through the noise of headlines. Known not just for his action-packed films but also for his ventures in business, investing, and mentoring startups, Shetty drew parallels between martial arts discipline and India’s approach to ongoing tariff wars. His post, posted amid escalating global import duties and countermeasures, emphasises the need for balance, long-term planning, and internal strength over knee-jerk reactions. As India navigates these challenges, Shetty’s insights offer a blueprint for turning adversity into opportunity.

The Context of Tariff Tensions

Tariff wars—characterised by reciprocal hikes in import duties—have become a staple of international relations in recent years. From the U.S.-China trade disputes that began in the late 2010s to more recent frictions involving India, these measures often stem from efforts to protect domestic industries, address trade imbalances, or respond to perceived unfair practices. For India, key flashpoints include duties on electronics, steel, and agricultural products, with countermeasures against partners like the U.S. and China. These policies aim to boost local manufacturing under initiatives like “Make in India,” but they also invite retaliation, disrupting supply chains and inflating costs.

Shetty, with his background in martial arts, likens this to taking a punch: the immediate sting can provoke anger, but true mastery lies in anticipating the next moves. “It’s easy to react emotionally when you’re at the receiving end,” he writes. “But in this case, I don’t think anger will build or strengthen our position or economy. Focus and planning will.”

This resonates in a landscape where short-term escalations, like India’s recent retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, might provide temporary relief but risk alienating key markets.

The Martial Arts Mindset: Patience Over Panic

Shetty’s analogy isn’t just metaphorical—it’s a call for strategic depth. In martial arts, a fighter doesn’t merely block or counter; they position themselves for dominance over the entire bout. Similarly, India has historically eschewed shortcuts, opting for the “longer, harder route” that fosters endogenous growth. Programs like Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) echo this, promoting self-sufficiency in critical sectors amid global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The actor-entrepreneur argues that raising voices alone won’t suffice; India must “raise our capabilities.” This means investing in local manufacturing to reduce dependency on imports, fortifying supply chains against external shocks, and ensuring easier access to funding for businesses.

For instance, enhancing domestic production in semiconductors and pharmaceuticals could mitigate the impact of tariffs on tech imports, turning potential vulnerabilities into strengths.

Leverage: The Core of Global Trade Games

At the heart of Shetty’s message is the concept of leverage—who holds the indispensable market or resource? “Who has the market the other side can’t do without? Who can absorb short-term pain for long-term gain?” he asks. India’s burgeoning consumer base of over 1.4 billion people, coupled with its growing tech and service sectors, positions it as a vital player. Yet, to capitalise on this, the country must build resilient systems that withstand rule changes by others.

This isn’t about isolationism but smart protectionism paired with competitiveness. Protecting nascent industries through tariffs is valid, Shetty notes, but the real win comes from easing business operations—streamlining regulations, improving infrastructure, and fostering innovation.

By diversifying trade partners through agreements like the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement or the Quad framework, India can dilute risks from any single adversary.

In essence, tariff wars test endurance. Short-term pushes, like duty hikes, might deter aggressors, but enduring success demands infrastructure that doesn’t crumble under pressure. Shetty envisions an India that enters negotiations with unassailable value: “We bring something the world needs.”

Beyond Tariffs: A Vision for Enduring Strength

International relations, as Shetty observes, are inherently driven by individual agendas, with tariffs ebbing and flowing. But India’s strength lies in its patience, leverage, and discipline—not noise, fear, or overconfidence. This philosophy aligns with global trends where nations like Vietnam and Mexico have gained from trade diversions by building robust ecosystems.

For entrepreneurs and policymakers alike, Shetty’s post is a reminder that economic battles are marathons. By prioritising capability-building—through education, R&D, and startup ecosystems—India can emerge not just unscathed but empowered. As a mentor to young businesses, Shetty embodies this: his investments in fitness and wellness brands underscore the value of sustainable growth over fleeting wins.

In a rapidly evolving world, Shetty’s words urge a shift from reactive posturing to proactive empowerment. The tariff wars may rage on, but with focus and foresight, India can transform challenges into catalysts for a self-reliant, globally competitive future. As he aptly puts it, it’s about building systems that endure, ensuring that when the rules change, India doesn’t just adapt—it leads.