Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sent a firm message in response to fresh trade tensions with the United States, declaring that India would never compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock holders, or fishermen, even if it means paying a personal political price.
Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi, just hours after US President Donald Trump imposed additional tariffs on Indian exports, Prime Minister Modi underlined India’s unwavering commitment to its agricultural community.
“The interest of farmers is our top priority,” Modi said. “India will never compromise with the interests of its farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen. And I know that I will have to pay a huge price for this personally, but I am ready. India is ready for the sake of the country's farmers, fishermen, and livestock holders.”
During his address, the Prime Minister also paid tribute to agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan, the father of India’s Green Revolution. Modi noted that while India had achieved food security under Swaminathan’s legacy, the next challenge would be addressing nutritional security for all citizens. “Building on the legacy of food security, the next frontier for our agricultural scientists is ensuring nutritional security for all,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi’s remarks came in the immediate aftermath of President Trump’s announcement of a 25 per cent additional tariff on Indian exports, bringing the total tariff rate to 50 per cent. The move is widely seen as retaliation for India’s continued purchase of crude oil from Russia.
The US had earlier imposed an initial set of 25 per cent tariffs on 20 July. With the latest hike, India’s agricultural sector, which accounts for a significant portion of exports to the US, is expected to take a heavy hit.
Reacting strongly, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a sharp statement, condemning the US decision. “The US targeting India over Russian oil imports is unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” the MEA said.
The ministry reiterated that India’s energy imports were dictated by market dynamics and national energy security, not political alliances. “We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India. It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest,” it added.
The MEA stressed that India would take all necessary actions to defend its national interests.
Bilateral relations between India and the US have become increasingly strained since Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory strike following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives.
President Trump claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, a claim firmly denied by New Delhi. “We had said from day one that our action was non-escalatory. No leader in the world asked us to stop Operation Sindoor,” Prime Minister Modi had told Parliament during a debate on the operation.
The latest round of tariffs also comes against the backdrop of a pause in India-US trade negotiations. Washington has been pressing for increased access to Indian agricultural markets, a move India has consistently resisted in order to protect its domestic farming sector.
