In a strong rebuttal to escalating trade tensions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India would not compromise the interests of its farmers, fishermen, or livestock holders, even if it came at a personal political cost. His remarks came just a day after US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports, citing India’s continued import of Russian crude oil.
Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi, Prime Minister Modi said, “The interest of farmers is our top priority. 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.”
Trump’s Tariff Move Sparks Diplomatic Row
President Trump’s announcement came on the heels of an earlier 25% tariff hike on July 20, bringing the total additional duties on Indian exports to 50%. These punitive measures were introduced as retaliation for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil — a move that Washington claims undermines US-led sanctions on Moscow.
In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strongly worded statement, calling the move “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” The MEA emphasized that India’s energy imports are driven by market conditions and national energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens, and pointed out that many other countries also continue to import Russian oil.
“It is 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. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests,” the MEA stated.
Strained Diplomatic Ties After Operation Sindoor
The latest round of trade penalties also comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. Tensions between New Delhi and Washington escalated after President Trump claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan—an assertion firmly denied by India.
During a recent debate in Parliament, PM Modi clarified, “We had said from day one that our action was non-escalatory. No leader in the world asked us to stop Operation Sindoor.” The Prime Minister’s remarks were seen as a clear pushback against Washington’s narrative.
India’s Resistance to US Trade Pressures
The tariff hike also reflects ongoing frictions in the stalled India-US trade deal talks, where the US has been pressuring India to open up its agricultural market. India has resisted, citing the need to protect its domestic agricultural community, a stance now publicly reinforced by the Prime Minister.
Paying tribute to M.S. Swaminathan, regarded as the father of India’s Green Revolution, PM Modi underlined India’s future focus: “Building on the legacy of food security, the next frontier for our agricultural scientists is ensuring nutritional security for all.”
With both nations digging in their heels, the latest development signals a period of heightened trade and diplomatic tension, even as both sides have historically tried to maintain a strategic partnership.
