New Delhi: A day after US President Donald Trump escalated the tariff conflict with India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a clear message. He stated that India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers and fishermen.
India will prioritize its national interests, even if it comes at a significant cost, Prime Minister Modi said on Thursday. His comments are seen as a direct reaction to Trump's decision to impose a 50 percent tariff on India due to its ongoing purchase of Russian oil. This was PM Modi's first response after Trump announced a 25 percent additional tariff on Indian exports.
Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi, Modi reaffirmed his government's commitment to protecting the agricultural community. "The interest of farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise with the interests of its farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen. I know I may have to pay a high price personally for this, but I am ready. India is ready, for the sake of the country's farmers, fishermen, and livestock holders," he said, moments after Trump's new tariffs took effect.
While paying tribute to MS Swaminathan, a leader of the Green Revolution, Modi added, "Building on the legacy of food security, the next challenge for our agricultural scientists is ensuring nutritional security for all."
India exports a wide range of agricultural products to the US, making it one of the sectors hit hardest by Trump's tariffs. This action is seen as a direct retaliation for India’s refusal to follow the US approach on buying Russian oil and military equipment, which has created tension in their otherwise strengthening strategic relationship.
Earlier, the US imposed a 25 percent tariff on Indian exports on July 20. With the overall tariffs on Indian exports to the US rising to 50 percent, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that the US targeting India over Russian oil imports is "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable."
"We have already made our position clear on these issues. Our imports are based on market factors and are aimed at ensuring energy security for 1.4 billion people in India. It is extremely unfortunate that the US has decided to impose additional tariffs on India for actions taken by many other countries in their own national interest," the statement said, stressing that India "will take all necessary steps to protect its national interests."
Trump's tariffs come at a time when discussions on an India-US trade deal are on hold. Washington has been pushing for greater access to India's agricultural market, a demand that New Delhi has resisted in order to protect its farmers.
