Rulers and subjects.

"The European Union is racing to clinch trade deals with country's around the world in an effort to diversify away from an increasingly protectionist US as officials worry that the transatlantic relationship has been irreversibly damaged." "The EU already has the largest network of trade agreements in the world, covering some 75 partners and more than 2 trillion euros in trade, according to data compiled by the bloc." ET. Before rushing into Europe's arms we should read the list of colonies of European countries (wikipedia), remember the atrocities they committed and the wealth they plundered. But worse, their complete lack of any remorse,  as shown by their refusal to apologize, let alone pay reparations for their crimes. However, the greater problem with a trade deal is that "The European Union is seeking lower tariffs on items of interest to Brussels, including whiskey, wine and cars, among others. TIE. These are the very items that contribute a large part of the Indian government's revenue. The smallest cars are taxed at 29%, SUVs at 43% and larger SUVs at 50%. cars24.com. Alcoholic beverages made in India are taxed at around 70-80% and contributed Rs 2.8 trillion in 2021. vakilsearch.com. If tariffs on EU whiskey and wine are reduced the government will have to reduce taxes on Indian drinks as well and that will slash government revenue drastically. "The government...hiked excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 2 per liter. At a time when global crude prices are on a steady decline, the hike signals a fresh focus on ramping up govt revenues for possible capital expenditure after tax relief given in the Union Budget 2025." The cost of domestic cooking gas has been increased by Rs 50 per 14.2 kg cylinder of gas. DH. "Foreign companies have often struggled in India due to high tax demands related levies payable on big M&A transactions or government accusations of duty evasions on imports, at times leading to prolonged litigation." Reuters. In December 2024, "The Swiss authorities have suspended the most favored nation (MFN) status provision in the Double Taxation Avoidance Treaty (DTAA) with India," because Switzerland has to pay 10% tax under the treaty whereas Colombia and Lithuania are taxed at 5%. TOI. India wants trade disputes to be adjudicated in Indian courts, but "From Saudi Arabia to the UK and the European Union to Sri Lanka, India's model bilateral investment treaty (BIT) and the finance ministry's steadfast refusal to tweak it is posing problems not just for trade negotiators but also for countries with which govt is seeking to work out investment arrangements." TOI. No one trusts India's judicial system. "In a major embarrassment, Singapore Court has quashed an arbitral award against the special purpose vehicle (SPV) set up to manage dedicated freight corridors in India after finding that the tribunal headed by retired CJI Dipak Misra had copied 112 of 451 paragraphs from two earlier awards involving the same parties but on different issues." TOI. The former Chief Justice of India, no less. "After we got independence, one set of imperialists left the country, another set of brown imperialists took over in Delhi,"said Mohandas Pai. "They look down upon the people. We are subjects and victims of government in Delhi, in Bangalore, in other places because they think they are our rulers and we are their subjects and victims." BT. Indians have no option. Foreigners have no intention of being victims. Natural.