Overview
- Speaking at the NDTV World Summit in New Delhi on October 17, Rishi Sunak said every country will act in its own national interest and argued the old global order has given way to a more multipolar world.
- He cited U.S. President Donald Trump’s move to double duties on Indian goods to 50%, including a 25% surcharge tied to purchases of Russian energy, as the immediate context for tougher trade politics.
- Sunak praised the India–UK free trade agreement signed in July, said he began work on it while in office, and called it a strong signal of deeper cooperation in a more protectionist environment.
- He pointed to scope for collaboration in technology and security, noting India’s growing role in AI and startups, and referenced the AI Index ranking the U.S. first, China second, the UK third, and India fourth.
- Acknowledging India’s historic defense ties with Russia, he said the UK hopes to supply “best in class” equipment in the future as part of reconfigured partnerships.