Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first public response to the U.S. announcement of 50% tariffs on Indian goods, declaring that farmers’ welfare is non-negotiable 🚜💪.
"For us, our farmers’ welfare is supreme," Modi told a crowd in New Delhi. "India will never compromise on the wellbeing of its farmers, dairy sector and fishermen. And I know personally I will have to pay a heavy price for it."
President Donald Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports on Wednesday, bringing the total duty to a record 50%—among the highest in U.S. trade history. The move, effective August 28, is meant to penalize India for continuing to buy Russian oil.
While Modi didn’t name the U.S. or mention the stalled trade talks directly, his message was clear: India’s agricultural backbone is worth any cost. After five rounds of negotiations broke down over market access for farm and dairy products and Russian oil purchases, tensions have been rising.
The Ministry of External Affairs called the U.S. decision "extremely unfortunate" and vowed to take "all necessary steps to protect its national interests." Economic Relations Secretary Dammu Ravi echoed that sentiment, calling the tariff hike illogical but a "temporary aberration" that the country will overcome.
With global markets watching, India is set to stand its ground. For Modi, the battle goes beyond tariffs—it’s about safeguarding the heart and soul of rural India 🌾
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Modi vows no compromise on farmers' interests after U.S. tariff hike
cgtn.com
