A day after US President Donald Trump intensified the tariff war against India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong message, asserting that India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, fishermen, and livestock holders. He also said he was willing to “pay the price” personally to defend their rights.
Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi, PM Modi stated, “The interest of farmers is our top priority. India will not compromise the interests of its farmers, livestock holders, or fishermen. I know I may have to pay a heavy personal price for this, but I am prepared. India is prepared—for the sake of our farmers, fishermen, and livestock holders.”
His remarks came just minutes after the US imposed new tariffs that are expected to impact Indian agricultural exports significantly.
Paying tribute to MS Swaminathan, regarded as the father of India’s Green Revolution, the Prime Minister said, “Building on the legacy of food security, the next challenge for our agricultural scientists is to ensure nutritional security for all.”
India exports a diverse range of agricultural products to the US, and the sector is expected to be among the hardest hit by the new American tariffs.
Donald Trump on Wednesday announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports, citing it as a “penalty” for India’s continued imports of Russian crude oil. This comes on top of an earlier 25% tariff imposed on July 20, effectively raising the total tariff burden on Indian goods to 50%.
Reacting strongly, the Ministry of External Affairs called the US move “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
“We have already clarified our position on this matter—our oil imports are driven by market factors and aimed at securing energy needs for 1.4 billion Indians. It is deeply regrettable that the US has chosen to penalise India for actions many other countries also undertake in pursuit of their national interest,” the ministry said in a statement. It further added that India will take all necessary steps to safeguard its national interests.
Relations between India and the US have been strained since Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory strike following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. President Trump had claimed he played a key role in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan—an assertion the Indian government has firmly denied.
“From the very beginning, we said Operation Sindoor was non-escalatory. No world leader asked us to stop. It was a decision taken entirely in India’s interest,” Prime Minister Modi had said during a Parliament debate on the operation.
The tariff hikes are also seen as part of the broader deadlock in India-US trade negotiations. Talks have stalled over Washington’s demands for greater access to India’s agricultural markets—something New Delhi has resisted to protect domestic farmers. (AGENCIES)
