New Delhi, August 7, 2025 — A day after US President Donald Trump escalated the trade war with India by announcing an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded with a firm message: India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, fishermen, and livestock holders, even if it comes at a personal cost.
Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi, PM Modi said,
“The interest of farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise with the interests of its farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen. And I know that I will have to pay a huge price for this personally, but I am ready. India is ready—for the sake of the country’s farmers.”
The remarks came just minutes after Trump’s fresh tariffs came into effect, taking the total US tariff on Indian exports to 50%. The hike is being positioned as a response to India’s continued import of Russian crude oil, a move the US calls unacceptable amid geopolitical tensions.
Trump’s Tariffs and India’s Response
The Ministry of External Affairs termed the US move “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” defending India’s energy imports as market-driven and vital to the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians.
“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,” the ministry said, warning that India will take all necessary actions to protect its national interests.
India exports a range of agricultural products to the US—an area expected to be hit hardest by the rising tariffs. Trump’s administration has been pushing for greater access to India’s agri-market, a demand New Delhi has consistently resisted to protect its domestic farmers and food security framework.
Operation Sindoor and Strained Relations
Tensions between the two countries have already been running high following Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. President Trump controversially claimed to have brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after the operation—an assertion strongly denied by the Indian government.
“We had said from day one that our action was non-escalatory. No leader in the world asked us to stop Operation Sindoor,” PM Modi stated in Parliament.
Honouring Swaminathan’s Legacy
In his speech, Modi paid tribute to MS Swaminathan, calling him the architect of India’s Green Revolution, and stressed the need to transition from food security to nutritional security.
“Building on the legacy of food security, the next frontier for our agricultural scientists is ensuring nutritional security for all,” the PM said.
The India-US trade deal negotiations are currently on hold, with the tariff hike likely to further delay any progress. With both nations standing firm on their national interests, experts believe that diplomatic engagement will be critical in de-escalating the trade dispute.
