New Delhi: Claiming that the interest of farmers is his government’s top priority, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India would never compromise on the interests of its farmers, even if it means facing economic consequences. This comes amid rising concerns over Donald Trump’s steep tariff hike on Indian exports.
Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi, Modi said, “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 we will have to pay a heavy price for it, and I am ready for it. India is ready for it.”
The US President has announced a further hike in the US tariff on Indian goods, including agricultural products, to 50%. During trade negotiations the US was pushing for greater access to India’s agricultural market. The focus of the United States was specially on corn, soybeans, and cotton. But New Delhi has, so far, resisted opening of the agricultural sector, and dairy products, due to concerns about domestic livelihoods and potential impacts on farmers, ANI reported.
Whatever it takes, India will not compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock keepers and fishermen. pic.twitter.com/pvqIKipsCO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2025
On Wednesday, Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on imports from India. In his order, Trump cited matters of national security and foreign policy concerns, as well as other relevant trade laws, for the increase. It claimed that India’s imports of Russian oil, directly or indirectly, pose an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the US.
“Going to see a lot of secondary sanctions….”
When a journalist Anthony Zurcher from BBC asked why he singled out India from other countries that also buy Russian oil, Trump said, “It’s okay. It’s only been eight hours. Let’s see what happens. You’re going to see a lot more. You’re going to see a lot of secondary sanctions.”
Now, the total tariff on Indian goods now stands at 50%. While the initial 25% duty came into effect on August 7, the additional levy will come into effect after 21 days. It will be imposed on all Indian goods imported into the US. This, however, exempts goods already in transit or those meeting specific exemptions.
