“Big Hearts Don’t React Fast”: Rajnath Singh Explains Why India Stayed Calm on Trump’s Tariffs

Rajnath Singh in Morocco: India’s Strategic Patience on Tariffs, Expanding Defence Footprint, and Strong Message on Pok. On his two-day official visit to Morocco, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Indian diaspora and underlined India’s evolving role on the global stage—whether it is dealing with external economic challenges, expanding its defence manufacturing base abroad, or taking a firm but balanced stand on issues of national security. His remarks ranged from India’s response to the high tariffs imposed by the Trump administration to a strong assertion on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

India’s Patience in the Face of Trump’s Tariffs

During his interaction with the Indian community in Morocco, Singh shed light on why India did not retaliate immediately when the United States under then-President Donald Trump slapped steep tariffs—up to 50%—on Indian imports. Instead of rushing into a tit-for-tat trade war, Singh explained that New Delhi chose a broad-minded approach.

“We chose not to react immediately… Those with a broad mind and a big heart don’t respond in haste,” Singh said, emphasizing that India’s calmness reflected maturity and foresight, not weakness. At the time, Trump’s administration had justified the tariffs as a way to “protect American industry” and push foreign governments to open their markets further. India, being one of the largest exporters of steel, aluminium, and several consumer products to the US, was directly impacted. Many expected New Delhi to immediately impose counter-tariffs on American goods, just as other countries had done. However, Rajnath Singh highlighted that India’s patience was strategic.

Instead of retaliating hastily, India chose to engage the US diplomatically, signalling that the bilateral relationship was too important to be disrupted by reactionary moves. Singh’s explanation shows that India views itself as a responsible global player—one that doesn’t allow short-term frictions to override long-term partnerships.

This restraint also reflected confidence. By not mirroring Trump’s aggressive tariff stance, India indicated that it was strong enough to wait, assess, and respond when the time was right. Eventually, the tensions were managed without derailing broader ties, and trade between India and the US has since continued to grow.

India’s Expanding Defence Footprint in Africa

Rajnath Singh’s visit also marked an important milestone in India’s defence diplomacy. He inaugurated the Tata Advanced Systems’ new manufacturing facility for the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 at Berrechid in Morocco. This plant is historic as it represents the first-ever Indian defence manufacturing facility in Africa, signalling India’s growing global footprint in the defence sector.

Singh called it a reflection of how India’s defence industry is no longer confined to domestic needs but is now serving international demand. For Morocco and Africa, this is not just a manufacturing facility, but a step towards deeper strategic partnerships with India in the area of defence cooperation.

Firm Stand on Terror and Operation Sindoor

Turning to the subject of terrorism, Singh referred to the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s decisive response under Operation Sindoor. He contrasted the inhuman approach of terrorists, who asked victims about their religion, with India’s principled conduct.

“It was deeds, not religion, that shaped our response,” Singh said. Singh stressed that India had not targeted civilians or military establishments in retaliation. Instead, it chose only terrorist camps, demonstrating a rare character of restraint even in the face of provocation. “India had the option to target military or civilian establishments, yet we held back. This moral strength is unique to India,” Singh emphasized.

A Strong Message on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

The Defence Minister also reiterated India’s claim over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), saying that the people living there have begun demanding integration with India. “Pakistan-administered Kashmir will soon be a part of India,” Singh asserted, recalling his statement from five years ago to the Indian Army in Kashmir.

At the time, he had declared that India would not need to attack or capture PoK forcibly; instead, the region itself would one day voluntarily proclaim, “Main bhi Bharat Hoon” (I too am India). Singh expressed confidence that the day was approaching when this would turn into reality.

The Larger Message: Patience, Strength, and Global Responsibility

Rajnath Singh’s words in Morocco highlighted a consistent theme—India’s maturity as a rising power. Whether it is in trade disputes with a superpower like the United States, its measured military responses to terrorism, or its global defence expansion, India is showing that it prefers strategic patience over short-term gains.

By not reacting impulsively to Trump’s tariffs, India showed that it values stability over provocation. By setting up its first defence plant in Africa, it demonstrated ambition and outreach. And by taking a firm but ethical stance on terrorism and PoK, it sent a clear message that India’s rise will be guided not only by strength but also by moral character

Read Also : Navratri Vrat Recipes: Easy, Healthy, and Flavorful Meals for 9 Day of Fasting