A day after US President Donald Trump imposed steep additional tariffs on Indian goods, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong response, saying that India would not compromise on the interests
of its farmers, livestock rearers, and fishermen. PM Modi’s remarks, seen as a direct message to Washington, come at a time when trade tensions between the two countries have escalated over India’s continued import of Russian oil.
“India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers, and fishermen brothers and sisters. I know personally that I will have to pay a heavy price for this, but I am prepared for it. India stands firmly with its farmers, and I am ready to face whatever it takes for their welfare,” Modi said, underscoring his government’s resolve to shield rural communities despite mounting international pressure.
PM Modi’s comments come a day after India strongly condemned the United States’ decision to levy additional tariffs in response to its continued import of Russian oil, calling the move “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the US had recently “targeted India’s oil imports from Russia,” even though New Delhi had clearly articulated its position on the issue.
“Our imports are governed by market dynamics and are undertaken with the overarching goal of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indian citizens,” the statement emphasised.
Describing the US action as “deeply regrettable,” the MEA noted that several other countries continue to import Russian oil in line with their national interests. It said that singling out India for punitive measures was discriminatory and reaffirmed that the government would take “all necessary steps to safeguard the country’s national interests.”
