'Farmers come first': PM Modi's stern message amid Trump's tariff tirade
PTC News Desk: Prime Minister Modi on Thursday said that India would put its interests first even if it means paying a heavy price amid Trump's imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on India for continued purchase of Russian oil.
"For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority," the PM said. "India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know we will have to pay a heavy price for it and I am ready for it. India is ready for it."
During his address at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference, PM Modi clearly said that the government will stand by its farmers and is ready to pay the heavy price America’s steepest tariffs and refused to cede ground on agricultural protections.
#WATCH | Delhi: 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 personally, I will have to pay a heavy price for it, but I am ready for it.… pic.twitter.com/W7ZO2Zy6EE — ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2025
PM Modi's remarks follow Trump's additional tariffs slapped on India adding up to total 50 per cent on Indian goods, the highest the US has imposed on any country.
The move is largely viewed as a direct response to India’s resistance to aligning with the US on its continued purchases of Russian oil and military gear — a contentious issue that has put strain on what had been a steadily improving strategic partnership.
Despite referring to India as a “friend,” Trump recently cautioned that there would be “consequences” for its ties with Moscow — a warning he followed through on Wednesday.
The tariff increase also signals mounting frustration in Washington over the failure to reach a bilateral trade agreement, with talks collapsing due to disputes over agricultural access and digital trade regulations.
- With inputs from agencies
