Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Raghuram Rajan recently expressed criticism towards the Trump administration’s implementation of new reciprocal tariffs, referring to them as a ‘self-goal’ that could potentially harm the United States economy in the short term. Rajan pointed out that while India may experience some impact from these tariffs, it is likely to be relatively smaller compared to other countries. In light of the current global trend towards protectionism, Rajan recommended that India consider lowering its domestic tariffs as a strategic move to enhance trade relations and improve competitiveness on the international stage. By advocating for a reduction in domestic tariffs, Rajan believes that India can navigate the challenges posed by the imposition of reciprocal tariffs by various countries. This approach, according to Rajan, could potentially position India as a key player in the global economy and help mitigate any negative repercussions stemming from protectionist measures adopted by other nations. Rajan’s insights shed light on the complexities of international trade dynamics and underscore the importance of strategic economic policies in fostering sustainable growth and development.