Boost Technology, Economy to Curb ‘Dadagiri’ by Other Nations, Says Nitin Gadkari Amid US Tariffs
New Delhi, August 10, 2025 — Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has emphasized the critical need for India to strengthen its technology and economy to overcome the challenges posed by economic bullying—referred to locally as ‘dadagiri’—by other nations. His remarks come amid the recent imposition of the highest-ever tariffs by the United States on Indian imports, signifying a tense phase in international trade relations.
Speaking at the Annual Prestigious Oration Program in memory of the late Dr. Prof. VG Bhidel on Saturday, Gadkari outlined a vision where India’s growth and technological advancement would eliminate dependency on foreign powers, and with it, the scope for coercion or economic bullying.
Economic Strength and Technology as Key to Sovereignty
Gadkari highlighted that countries resort to ‘dadagiri’ primarily due to their superior economic status and technological capabilities. “If our exports increase and the economy and growth rate rise, then I don’t think we will need to go to anyone,” he said. He added, “Today, those who are doing dadagiri are doing so because they are economically well-off; they bully because they have technology. If we get better technology and resources than them, we won’t need to bully anyone, our culture teaches us to work for the welfare of the world.”
This statement comes at a time when India faces heightened trade friction, particularly following the US government’s decision to impose an additional 25% tariff on certain Indian products, bringing the total tariff rate to 50%—the highest ever levied on any country by the US.
Focus on Import Reduction and Export Growth
The minister urged the nation to prioritize reducing imports while simultaneously boosting exports to emerge as a global economic leader. He called upon esteemed institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) to concentrate on targeted research addressing India’s unique developmental challenges.
"One of the key priorities today is to reduce the country’s imports while increasing exports, as this is essential for India to emerge as a global leader. Our premier research institutions, such as the IITs and IIMs, should focus on identifying and addressing the nation’s specific needs through targeted research, which is crucial for achieving this goal," Gadkari stated.
Context: US Tariffs Amid Global Trade Tensions
The US tariffs were announced through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on August 6, 2025. The additional 25% tariff was justified by the US citing India’s ongoing oil imports from Russia despite Western sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict.
India has strongly opposed these tariffs, labelling them unfair and unjustified. Authorities have highlighted that India is unfairly singled out, contrasting this action against the European Union’s substantial trade with Russia (€67.5 billion in goods during 2024 and €17.2 billion in services in 2023), where no similar punitive tariffs are imposed.
Looking Ahead
The Indian government’s response, exemplified by leaders like Gadkari, underscores a strategic pivot toward self-reliance and global economic leadership by leveraging innovation, domestic industry, and export promotion. By fostering indigenous technological advancement and economic resilience, India aims not only to safeguard its interests but also to contribute positively to global welfare without engaging in coercion or dominance.
As international trade dynamics continue evolving, India’s focus on technology and economic empowerment is seen as key to navigating challenges and asserting its standing on the world stage.
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