Pakistan Leaders Slam Strategy After India Gets Better Tariff Terms

Pakistan has seen strong reactions after India secured lower tariffs under the US-India trade deal announced on February 2. India’s shipments now face an 18% tariff, while Pakistan continues to face 19%. 

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The development followed statements by US President Donald Trump on tariff cuts for Indian goods, prompting debate in Pakistan over months of lobbying in Washington.

Piyush Goyal Cites Protection of Core Sectors

India’s Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal told Parliament that the agreement “fully” protects core sensitivities in agriculture and dairy. The deal also includes tariff reductions from earlier higher rates and expanded market access for Indian exports. Officials and trade analysts say the outcome strengthens India’s position among competing exporters, as several Asian economies continue to face higher duties in the US market.

Pakistan Opposition Criticises Diplomatic Approach

Leaders linked to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf questioned Islamabad’s strategy. Former PTI minister Hammad Azhar wrote on X, “Foreign policy in the 21st century isn’t about optics or personal relationships. It’s about leveraging economic strength, tariffs, and market access. India’s recent trade deals with the EU and the US prove the point. Sycophancy & photo ops are useless.” The remarks reflected frustration over limited tariff relief.

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Economists and Public Voices Question Outcomes

Pakistani economist Javed Hassan noted on X that India secured better terms without symbolic gestures. “India did not nominate Trump for a Nobel prize, yet still gets better tariff deal than Pakistan,” he wrote. Karachi-based user Zubair Ahmed Khan added, “So after all the appeasement… Pak ended up with 19% US tariffs while India have now 18% tariffs imposed by US.”

Conclusion: Strategy Over Symbolism in Trade Talks

Compared with Pakistan’s prolonged outreach, India’s negotiation delivered measurable tariff relief and sectoral protections. Analysts say outcomes increasingly depend on market size, supply chains, and strategic autonomy rather than ceremonial diplomacy. 

With Vietnam, Bangladesh, and others facing higher duties, the US-India trade deal reshapes competitive dynamics. The episode underscores why results-driven trade policy matters now, as exporters adjust to tighter global tariff regimes.

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