New Delhi, Aug. 5 -- US President Donald Trump's tariff offensive can be likened to the covid pandemic for affecting all countries. What sounded bizarre on paper is a reality. Five years after the covid outbreak, the economic disruption caused by one man has been remarkable, marked by whims and contradictions.

While there appears to be room for discussion on a trade deal, India should be prepared for the worst: A scenario in which the US threat of a 25%-plus tariff comes to bear. Is there anything the Indian government can do to protect exporters?

Also read: The week in charts: Trump's 25% India tariff, TCS's mass layoffs, oil on the boil

Yes. A kind of public-private arrangement could be made-with a sunset clause-for the overall cost ...