'Global powers will always bully us unless ……......' Zomato CEO reacts to Trump's tariff on India

Time of India

4 days ago

In the wake of US President Donald Trump's decision to double tariffs on Indian imports,
Zomato
CEO
Deepinder Goyal
delivered a forceful response that struck a nerve across India's business and tech communities. Taking to X (formerly Twitter),
Goyal
warned that global powers will continue to 'bully' India unless the country takes its destiny into its own hands. Citing trade pressures and geopolitical double standards, he urged India to rise as an unapologetic superpower, not just in economy and technology, but in ambition. The post has since gone viral, fueling debate on India's global role and economic strategy.
Deepinder Goyal calls for a national mindset shift
Goyal's reaction came amid growing tensions between India and the US, following Washington's move to impose a 50% tariff on certain Indian goods. The decision, reportedly tied to India's continued import of Russian oil, was framed by US officials as a response to strategic misalignment.
In his statement, Goyal noted that such global "reminders" happen regularly — 'a threat here, a tariff there' — all reinforcing the idea that India should "stay in its lane." But instead of reacting with resentment, he urged Indians to respond with ambition. He argued that the only path forward is for India to unapologetically become the largest superpower, not only economically, but also in defense, technology, and self-belief.
The sentiment resonated widely, sparking a wave of support across X. One user commented, 'It's not about retaliation, it's about evolution.' Another said, 'We've been modest for too long. It's time to lead.' Goyal's post was hailed for framing ambition itself as a strategic imperative, an economic philosophy rooted not in dependence or appeasement, but in self-determination.
From digital echo to economic action: Transforming adversity into opportunity
Beyond social media, Goyal's words ignited a broader discussion on India's internal readiness. Industry voices emphasized that this moment, much like the 1991 economic crisis, could serve as an inflection point. There were renewed calls to double down on reforms: improving ease of doing business, strengthening local manufacturing, reducing reliance on imports, and expanding PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) schemes.
Experts also pointed to the need for smarter trade policies, especially around tariff rationalization on raw materials, to help Indian products compete globally. Tourism was flagged as an underutilized engine of growth, with suggestions to build secure, clean, and visa-friendly travel corridors to generate forex and soft power.
The post, while brief, catalyzed a national mood shift, from defensive reaction to offensive vision. As one user wrote, 'We can't just keep playing catch-up. We must set the pace.' Goyal's message reminded many that global recognition is not granted; it must be seized.
His closing thought captures the broader takeaway: 'If we want the world to stop bullying us, we need to stop acting like we're afraid of our own potential.'
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