New Delhi, August 7, 2025 — In a strong and emotional pushback to US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff escalation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, fishermen, and livestock holders, even if it comes at a personal cost.
Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi, Modi said,
“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 will have to pay a huge price for this personally, but I am ready. India is ready.”
The remarks came just a day after Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports, increasing the total to 50%, in response to India continuing to buy Russian crude oil. The US has accused New Delhi of “fueling the war machine,” despite continuing its own import of billions worth of Russian commodities like uranium and fertilizers.
India Rejects “Unfair and Unjustified” Tariffs
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has firmly responded, calling the US move “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” and vowed to take all steps necessary to protect India’s national interest.
“Our imports are based on market factors and focused on energy security for 1.4 billion people. Many other nations continue similar trade practices with Russia. We find the selective targeting of India deeply regrettable,” the ministry said.
Farmers, Food Security, and National Pride
Paying tribute to M.S. Swaminathan, the father of India’s Green Revolution, the Prime Minister emphasized a new era for Indian agriculture:
“Building on food security, the next frontier for our scientists is nutritional security for all.”
Agriculture is one of the sectors expected to be hit hardest by the US tariffs, with India being a major exporter of food products to the US. Modi’s defiant tone signaled that protecting the rural economy remains non-negotiable.
Strained Ties Post Operation Sindoor
This tariff war comes in the backdrop of deteriorating India-US relations following Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack. While Trump has claimed credit for mediating peace between India and Pakistan, Modi has dismissed these assertions, stating that no foreign leader intervened.
“No leader in the world asked us to stop Operation Sindoor. Our response was calibrated and non-escalatory,” Modi reiterated in Parliament earlier.
Trade Deal on Ice
The tensions have also led to a pause in ongoing India-US trade deal negotiations. Washington had been pushing for greater access to Indian agricultural markets, a move New Delhi resisted in favor of protecting domestic farmers.
