NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday gave a veiled response to US President Donald Trump 's tariff threats on India, saying that India will "never compromise" on interest of farmers.
"For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers," PM Modi said while speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference.
Without naming the United States or Trump, PM Modi indicated that he was aware of the cost of taking such a stand. "I know we will have to pay a heavy price for it and I am ready for it. India is ready for it," the prime minister further said.
PM Modi's remarks came after Trump, in addition to the 25 per cent tariff announced last week, imposed another 25 per cent levies on India on Wednesday for purchases of Russian oil, bringing the total duties slapped on India to 50 per cent, among the highest imposed by the US on any country in the world.
The additional 25 per cent duty will come into effect after 21 days or August 27.
Read | Trump's 50% tariff: 'Crude bullying', says Congress; declares 'India shall overcome'
Reacting to Trump's additional tariffs, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said in a statement that 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.
"We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India," the MEA statement said.
"We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests," it said.
Also read | 50% tariffs: Donald Trump was asked why he’s singling out India over Russian oil? His 'secondary sanctions' warning
"For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers," PM Modi said while speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference.
#WATCH | Delhi: At the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know we will have to pay… pic.twitter.com/6NuBXZX9xr
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2025
Without naming the United States or Trump, PM Modi indicated that he was aware of the cost of taking such a stand. "I know we will have to pay a heavy price for it and I am ready for it. India is ready for it," the prime minister further said.
PM Modi's remarks came after Trump, in addition to the 25 per cent tariff announced last week, imposed another 25 per cent levies on India on Wednesday for purchases of Russian oil, bringing the total duties slapped on India to 50 per cent, among the highest imposed by the US on any country in the world.
The additional 25 per cent duty will come into effect after 21 days or August 27.
Read | Trump's 50% tariff: 'Crude bullying', says Congress; declares 'India shall overcome'
Reacting to Trump's additional tariffs, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said in a statement that 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.
"We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India," the MEA statement said.
"We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests," it said.
Also read | 50% tariffs: Donald Trump was asked why he’s singling out India over Russian oil? His 'secondary sanctions' warning
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