Sigmund Freud said, “Neurosis is the result of a conflict between the ego and its id, whereas psychosis is the analogous outcome of a similar disturbance in the relation between the ego and the external world.” Human beings also are prone to suffer from anxiety neurosis and fear psychosis. A dangerous precedence has been set in by President Trump by inducing fear and intimidation as tactics through his actions of unilateral tariff declaration and coercive intervention on Venezuela which can lead to a vicious circle globally in the days to come and his future intimidating actions against Columbia, Cuba, Mexico, Green Land and any other country who may not be amenable to U. S. policies. Since April 2025 his rhetorics created psychological disorders such as anxiety neurosis and fear psychosis by which the political and the trade ecosystem were affected very badly. The actions of the mercurial President Trump was nothing but vulgar display of his and the American mighty economic and military strength. The remaining affected and stranded nations were coerced to undertake fresh trade deals with the American administration by means of a political appeasement of President Trump.
Bharath was also was no exception. The trade talks were going on since 2025 but was dragging during which period trade attrition was going on. But it is to the credit of the Indian Prime Minister and his government who stood steadfastly by their principles of sovereignty and diplomacy. Their patience and perseverance, statesmanship and strategic negotiation ultimately brought out mutually agreed trade agreement. India resisted pressure and artificial deadlines put forth by President Trump prioritizing its national interests. This approach has now paid off, securing a balanced outcome. The agreement marks a significant achievement for India’s trade policy. The deliberate and strategic delay to conclude the agreement was successfully paid off. Even when the trade dialogue was going on, India quietly concluded five trade agreements over the last year including the landmark pact of ‘Mother of All Deals’ with European
Union which strengthened India’s negotiating hand which urged U. S to finalise the trade pact with India reinforcing that national interest would take precedence over political expediency. The Prime Minister through the social media site and said, “Wealth is earned through righteous deeds. It grows with courage and self-confidence, remains stable through skill and efficiency, and, when safeguarded by discipline, contributes to the progress of the nation.”
The mercurial President Trump once again showed his one-upmanship by declaring arbitrarily and unilaterally through his post on Truth Social stated, “”Out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi and, as per his request, effective immediately, we agreed to a Trade Deal between the United States and India, whereby the United States will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25% to 18%,” He further stated, “They will likewise move forward to reduce their Tariffs and Non-Tariff Barriers against the United States, to ZERO.” Besides, he also declared that India will stop buying oil from Russia.
The announcement followed a phone conversation between president Trump and prime minister Narendra Modi and was made through the US president’s social media posts, even as formal details of the agreement remain absent. Responding to Trump’s post, Modi thanked the US President. “Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today,” Modi wrote on X following the call. “Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement. When two large economies and the world’s largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial.” Where as Prime Minister Modi confirmed only the reduced tariff of 18% in his message to Trump, the proverbial mendacity of President Trump was conspicuous when he unilaterally claimed that India “will likewise move forward to reduce their Tariffs and Non-Tariff Barriers against the United States, to ZERO.” and that Modi committed to “BUY AMERICAN” at a much higher level” including, “over $ 500 Billion Dollars of U S energy, Technology, Agricultural, coal and many other products.” But nowhere details have been given. It was a ploy of the perpetual liar that President Trump is, to instigate an immediate internal tirade among the political opponents of the Indian polity against the government.
The immediate reaction of the opposition parties spearheaded by the leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the prime minister for surrendering Indian sovereignty to President Trump and the American administration jeopardising the Indian interest. The outburst was made without knowing the details of the agreements arrived at. Neither any joint statement has been made nor any official agreement has been signed. But The Russian foreign ministry clarified after the unilateral claim of Trump that they have not received any communication from India about Russian oil purchase being stopped. Further Ministry of External affairs has categorically rejected the claim that India agreed to stop purchasing oil from Russia. Bharat has made it very clear without ambiguity to the world at large and America in particular that the heritage nation Bharat is not a push over but the fourth powerful country, economically and militarily, and to be reckoned with in all international matters.
Negotiation is not about winning at someone else’s expense. It is about finding an agreement that works for both sides. Good negotiation creates solutions where everyone feels respected and valued. The principle behind negotiation is to find solutions where both sides feel they have won creating a win-win solution for which flexibility is the key which also requires sacrifices from both sides. Negotiation is more than just reaching a deal; it is about building trust, solving problems, and creating value for all parties involved. Fairness, empathy, active listening, and preparation are essential to success. Great negotiators are to stay calm, respect others, and focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on conflicts for which coming together is the beginning; keeping together is the progress and working together will lead to success. Prime Minister Modi and the President Trump and their respective negotiating teams came together, kept together and work together with confidence and clarity to finalise the ultimate greatest of all trade deals culminating to say ALL IS WELL THAT ENDS WELL
T.R. Radhakrishnan
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