US–Pakistan~India Trade and Diplomacy A UN Charter Perspective۔

US–Pakistan –India Trade and Diplomacy A UN Charter Perspective۔

The recent escalation in US–India trade tensions, marked by President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian goods, has raised serious questions under international law and the principles of the United Nations. Officially, the justification for this drastic measure was India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil, which Washington argued amounted to indirect support for Russia’s war machine. However, the broader context—ranging from disputes over ceasefire negotiations to the refusal of India to support Trump’s nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize—suggests that political grievances have intertwined with trade measures, leading to concerns of selective application of international norms.

The Principle of Non-Discrimination

Article 1 of the UN Charter emphasizes the equal rights of nations, while the World Trade Organization (WTO), functioning under the UN system, enshrines the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) principle. This requires member states not to discriminate between trading partners. By imposing unilateral punitive tariffs specifically targeting India, the US risks violating this principle. Moreover, India’s claim that other states also import Russian oil without facing similar sanctions underscores the issue of selective enforcement, which is inconsistent with the spirit of UN-based multilateralism.

Peace, Security, and the Nobel Dispute

Reports of strained relations between New Delhi and Washington further complicate the narrative. President Trump reportedly expected Indian support for his Nobel Peace Prize bid and recognition of his claimed mediation in regional ceasefire initiatives. India’s refusal to acknowledge US mediation and its public distancing from Trump’s peace claims contributed to diplomatic rifts. Under the UN Charter, however, peaceful settlement of disputes (Article 33) is a collective responsibility, not a matter of personal recognition or political reward. Using trade tariffs as leverage in this context risks undermining the principle of impartial mediation in conflict resolution.

Pakistan’s Case: Seafood Exports and International Standards

In contrast to the punitive measures against India, Pakistan recently secured a positive outcome in its trade relations with the United States. Following compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), Pakistan was granted a four-year extension to continue seafood exports to the US. This decision was based on technical and environmental standards, not political considerations. It demonstrates how adherence to international norms can bring tangible benefits within the UN’s framework of sustainable development and fair trade.

Selectivity vs. Rule of Law

The juxtaposition of punitive tariffs on India and regulatory approval for Pakistan highlights a broader issue: the politicization of trade versus the rule of law in international relations. If the UN Charter is to remain the cornerstone of global governance, member states—especially great powers—must refrain from using economic measures as tools of political retaliation. Instead, disputes should be resolved through the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the WTO dispute settlement body, or direct negotiations under UN auspices.

Conclusion

The US–India–Pakistan trade triangle underscores the urgent need to reaffirm UN principles of equality, non-discrimination, and peaceful settlement of disputes. While Pakistan’s case proves that technical compliance with international law can secure fair market access, India’s experience with sudden punitive tariffs illustrates how political undercurrents can distort international trade. The United Nations and its agencies must step forward to ensure that economic coercion does not replace lawful multilateral processes. Only by doing so can the international community prevent trade from becoming another battlefield for geopolitical rivalry.

Syed Ali Raza Naqvi Bukhari

Unity of Peace, Economic Reform, and Global Unity

Founder & Chairman of Tehreek Istehkam Pakistan, and the author of “Law of God” and “Social Democratic System.” advocates for truth, social justice, and reform in all sectors of society.