A day after US President Donald Trump escalated trade tensions by imposing steep tariffs on Indian goods, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a strong and defiant message from New Delhi: India will not compromise on the interests of its farmers, fishermen, and livestock holders.

Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference, Modi declared, “The interest of farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise with the interests of its farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen. I know I will have to pay a huge price for this personally, but I am ready. India is ready—for the sake of our farmers.”

His remarks came shortly after the US tariffs came into effect, impacting a wide range of Indian exports, particularly in agriculture—a sector where India enjoys a strong trade presence with the United States. Modi’s statement is seen as a direct response to Washington’s attempt to pressure New Delhi over its continued import of Russian oil and its protective policies for domestic agriculture.

Paying tribute to agricultural pioneer MS Swaminathan, widely credited with ushering in India’s Green Revolution, the Prime Minister said, “Building on the legacy of food security, the next frontier for our agricultural scientists is ensuring nutritional security for all.”

Trump’s tariff move, widely viewed as politically motivated in the lead-up to the US elections, has drawn criticism from Indian policymakers, who argue that India’s trade decisions are sovereign and driven by national interest.

Modi’s firm stand underscores New Delhi’s resolve to protect its rural economy even at the cost of escalating tensions with Washington. As India braces for the economic fallout, the message from the Prime Minister was loud and clear: national interest and the welfare of farmers come first.

A day after US President Donald Trump escalated trade tensions by imposing steep tariffs on Indian goods, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a strong and defiant message from New Delhi: India will not compromise on the interests of its farmers, fishermen, and livestock holders.

Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference, Modi declared, “The interest of farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise with the interests of its farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen. I know I will have to pay a huge price for this personally, but I am ready. India is ready—for the sake of our farmers.”

His remarks came shortly after the US tariffs came into effect, impacting a wide range of Indian exports, particularly in agriculture—a sector where India enjoys a strong trade presence with the United States. Modi’s statement is seen as a direct response to Washington’s attempt to pressure New Delhi over its continued import of Russian oil and its protective policies for domestic agriculture.

Paying tribute to agricultural pioneer MS Swaminathan, widely credited with ushering in India’s Green Revolution, the Prime Minister said, “Building on the legacy of food security, the next frontier for our agricultural scientists is ensuring nutritional security for all.”

Trump’s tariff move, widely viewed as politically motivated in the lead-up to the US elections, has drawn criticism from Indian policymakers, who argue that India’s trade decisions are sovereign and driven by national interest.

Modi’s firm stand underscores New Delhi’s resolve to protect its rural economy even at the cost of escalating tensions with Washington. As India braces for the economic fallout, the message from the Prime Minister was loud and clear: national interest and the welfare of farmers come first.