No Compromise on Farmers' Interest': PM Modi Reacts to Trump's Tariff Hike

Responding to US President Donald Trump’s harsh stance on India by raising the import tariff from 25% to 50%, PM Narendra Modi said that country will compromise on the interests of farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen.

Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference at New Delhi, Modi said, “Interests of farmers are a top national priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, livestock holders and fishermen. I know I'll have to pay the price for it personally, but I'm ready to do it for the farmers.”

Last night, the US imposed additional tariffs of 25% on Indian imports for buying Russian oil on top of the 25% 'reciprocal' duty imposed earlier on Aug. 1.

“I find that the Government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil,” he stated in the order, uploaded by the White House on its website.

Reportedly, the US has been demanding broader access to India's agricultural and dairy market, which directly influences the livelihoods of millions of farmers.

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Trump has time and again credited himself for 'mediating' peace between India and Pakistan during the conflict in May. However, New Delhi denied external interventions.

The president has also threatened BRICS countries with retaliatory measures for adopting economic policies that vary from the American-led system.

Following Trump’s announcement regarding the additional 25% tariffs, the External Affairs Ministry said India will “take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”

It said that India's imports of Russian oil are based on market factors and done with the “overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India".

“It is therefore 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,” it added.