'Will not compromise on farmers' interests,' says PM Modi after Trump imposes additional 25% tariffs

A day after U.S. President Donald Trump announced 25% additional tariffs on India, taking the total to 50%, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed that the country will not compromise on farmers’ interests, even if it means “hurting personal self”.

Speaking at the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference on August 7, this was Modi’s first comments distantly referring to the additional 25% tariffs imposed by the U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration on Indian exports, stoking concerns over the economic impact of worsening bilateral ties.

“For us, the welfare of our farmers is the highest priority. India will never compromise on the interests of our farmers, fishermen, or dairy producers. I am aware that I may have to pay a heavy personal price for this but, I am prepared to do so. India is prepared for this,” he said.

“Today, wherever Indian agriculture stands, M.S. Swaminathan would be proud. Earlier, India focused on food security — now, it is focused on nutritional security,” Modi added.

On Wednesday evening, Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods in response to India’s continued import of Russian oil, raising the total tariff burden to 50%. India’s tariffs are among the steepest tariff rates imposed on any trading partner of the U.S. and are expected to take effect 3 weeks after August 7. These tariffs are expected to be imposed across a variety of sectoral Indian exports to the U.S.

The United States has been seeking greater access for its farm and dairy exports in the Indian market, but India has resisted such demands to shield its domestic agricultural sector, which remains a critical component of its socio-economic structure.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the new tariffs, calling them unjustified and misaligned with the country’s sovereign energy strategy. It defended the continued import of Russian oil as essential for meeting the energy requirements of its 1.4 billion citizens and pointed out that several other nations continue similar purchases. The MEA also criticised the U.S. decision as discriminatory and reaffirmed that India would take all necessary steps to protect its national interests.