Introduction: Two Battlefields, One Lesson
On August 6, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on Indian imports—a move aimed at pressuring India over its Russian oil purchases. The decision jolted global markets, strained U.S.–India relations, and sent Indian exporters scrambling.
While the stage today is economic, the underlying drama—conflicting interests, high stakes, strategic maneuvers—mirrors the battlefield of Kurukshetra in the Bhagavad Gita. The Gita’s lessons on duty, detachment, and ethical action hold surprising relevance for policymakers, business leaders, and even ordinary citizens navigating this tariff war.
1. Understanding the Modern “Kurukshetra”
The Situation in Brief:
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U.S. Position: Protect domestic industries, penalize nations trading with sanctioned entities.
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India’s Position: Secure energy needs affordably, maintain strategic autonomy in foreign policy.
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Global Impact: Supply chain shifts, commodity price volatility, and alliance strain.
Gita Parallel:
In Kurukshetra, Arjuna faced a duty-bound dilemma—fight for justice or avoid conflict at personal cost. Here, leaders must weigh national interest vs. long-term partnerships.
2. Gita Principle One: Focus on Dharma, Not Ego
BG 2.47: “You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but not to the fruits of action.”
In policy, this translates to focusing on strategic duty—ensuring economic stability, protecting livelihoods—rather than reacting from political ego or fear of appearing weak.
Real-World Application:
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India diversifying export markets while maintaining dialogue.
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U.S. balancing domestic industry protection with global alliances.
3. Gita Principle Two: Equanimity in Success and Loss
BG 2.38: “Fight for the sake of duty, treating alike happiness and distress, loss and gain.”
Tariffs can cause immediate financial loss. The Gita advises a steady hand, resisting overreaction in moments of shock.
For Businesses:
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Use this as a trigger to improve supply chain resilience.
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Invest in product diversification to reduce dependence on one market.
4. Gita Principle Three: Non-Attachment for Better Negotiation
Negotiations often derail when parties cling too tightly to demands. Krishna’s concept of vairagya (detachment) encourages clear thinking free from emotional bias.
Trade Table Application:
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Separate national interest from political theatrics.
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Keep the door open for compromise without compromising core principles.
5. Gita Principle Four: Strategic Action Without Paralysis
BG 3.16: “He who does not follow the wheel of creation set of old lives in sin, rejoicing in the senses.”
Inaction in policy is costly. Both nations must keep constructive actions flowing—whether through interim trade reliefs, new market alliances, or tech cooperation.
6. Practical Takeaways for Leaders and Businesses
| Challenge | Gita Principle | Action Step |
|---|---|---|
| Tariff shock | Equanimity (BG 2.38) | Maintain calm, assess impact without panic |
| Uncertain trade future | Nishkama Karma (BG 3.19) | Focus on adaptive strategies, not immediate revenge |
| Market loss | Vairagya (Detachment) | Explore alternate trade routes & partners |
| Diplomatic strain | Dharma-first | Keep dialogue open while defending interests |
7. Long-Term Vision Over Short-Term Wins
Krishna repeatedly stresses the bigger picture. In trade wars, winning one tariff battle means little if it damages decades of cooperation.
Application:
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Seek win-win trade frameworks instead of prolonged retaliation.
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Invest in domestic innovation to reduce future vulnerability.
8. Lessons for Everyday People
This isn’t just about politicians—tariffs impact:
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Small exporters losing contracts.
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Consumers facing higher prices.
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Workers in export industries fearing layoffs.
Personal Gita Application:
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Detach from fear and focus on skills upgrading.
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Explore new markets or side hustles for income stability.
Conclusion: The Real Win
In Kurukshetra, Krishna guided Arjuna to act with clarity, not rage. Likewise, the true win in a trade war lies not in inflicting maximum pain but in securing lasting stability, ethical standing, and mutual respect.
Whether you’re a policymaker, business leader, or citizen, the Gita’s wisdom offers a compass: act with duty, detach from ego, and plan for the greater good.