Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers and fishermen, describing them as the foundation of the nation’s progress.
Addressing the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said, “For us, the interest of farmers remains our top priority. 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,” the PM added.
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PM Modi’s remarks come amid tensions over the Trump administration’s decision to double tariffs to 50 per cent on Indian goods. India has categorically rejected the U.S. move, calling the tariffs “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
“We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests,” a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson said in a statement.
The United States has also ramped up pressure on India over its oil imports from Russia. “We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and guided by the overall objective of ensuring energy security for 1.4 billion people of India,” the MEA spokesperson added.
“It is, therefore, extremely unfortunate that the U.S. has chosen to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also undertaking in their own national interest,” the statement said.
The new tariffs will apply to all eligible Indian goods entering the U.S. 21 days after the order’s signing, except for shipments already in transit before the deadline and cleared before September 17.
(With agency inputs)