Speaking to CNBC-TV18, former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal advised that India should not overreact to President Trump’s often unpredictable statements. Sibal characterised Trump as being “extremely loose with facts,” noting, “He says whatever comes to his mind. He digests details extremely poorly.” He pointed to Trump’s incorrect assertion that the US is 30th on the list of countries exporting to India, when it is fourth, and his misleading claims about India agreeing to zero tariffs.
Sibal suggested a measured approach, urging India to “wait, humour him, stay focused” and continue engaging with US corporations.Despite Trump’s direct message to Tim Cook that Apple should manufacture in the US for the American market, experts believe Apple’s plans in India are guided by sound strategic and business logic. Government sources have indicated that Apple has assured New Delhi of its commitment to India as a major manufacturing base with no change to its investment plans.
Sibal highlighted that Apple’s decision to shift manufacturing to India likely stems from the US-China tariff war and India’s vast market potential. KP Fabian, Former Indian Envoy to Qatar, concurred, stating that CEOs make long-term decisions and that Apple would likely continue its investment in India as “that is the rational decision.” Fabian nuanced Trump’s message, interpreting it as less about not investing in India, and more about discouraging exports from India to America.
President Trump has also repeatedly claimed to have mediated between India and Pakistan. However, Ambassador Fabian clarified that genuine mediation was never on the table. “Mediation is possible only when both parties in a dispute or conflict agree to third-party mediation,” Fabian explained, adding, “In this case, India never agreed to accept it or asked for it, so ‘mediation’ is the wrong word.”
While dismissing the mediation claims, Fabian did acknowledge that the US played a quiet, constructive role during the India Pakistan conflict, suggesting President Trump or his vice president pushed Pakistan towards de-escalation and a ceasefire, which was then formally communicated through established military channels.
The broader context of Trump’s remarks includes his ongoing “America First” policy, urging CEOs to prioritise manufacturing in the United States to create domestic jobs. This message was central to his recent three-nation Middle East tour, which, according to Sibal, appears to have yielded significant promised investments for the US.
Reports indicate substantial commitments from countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with Qatar alone reportedly pledging $1.2 trillion including large Boeing aircraft orders and investments in defence, AI, and energy. Sibal noted that these commitments reflect these nations’ interest in keeping the US on their side and their financial capacity to make such investments.
Watch the accompanying video for the entire discussion.
