Modi Defiant After Trump Tariffs: “India Will Never Compromise on Farmers”

What We Know

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday delivered a pointed message in response to the latest round of U.S. tariffs targeting Indian exports, declaring that India would never bow to foreign pressure at the cost of its farmers and rural communities.

The comments, made at a global conference marking the centenary of agricultural scientist M. S. Swaminathan, came just 24 hours after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order slapping 50% tariffs on Indian goods. The White House said the tariffs were a direct response to India’s continued trade with Russia, particularly in oil.

Modi made clear that New Delhi would not accept Washington’s demands to open India’s agricultural and dairy markets further to U.S. exporters as part of ongoing trade talks. He emphasized that safeguarding the livelihoods of Indian farmers, dairy workers, and fishermen remains his top priority — even at great political or personal cost.

What They’re Saying

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Modi reaffirmed his stance in Hindi, stating: “भारत किसी भी कीमत पर अपने किसान, पशुपालक और मछुआरा भाई-बहनों के हितों के साथ कभी भी समझौता नहीं करेगा।”

भारत किसी भी कीमत पर अपने किसान, पशुपालक और मछुआरा भाई-बहनों के हितों के साथ कभी भी समझौता नहीं करेगा। pic.twitter.com/8nyKgliTwv

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2025

Background

President Donald Trump’s tariff decision was issued under emergency powers citing national security concerns linked to India’s ongoing oil trade with Russia. The executive order is set to take effect in 21 days and applies to nearly all Indian imports not already en route to the U.S.

According to the order, India was identified as the first violator under new enforcement measures against nations indirectly funding Russia’s war in Ukraine through energy trade. While Washington seeks greater access to India’s agriculture and dairy markets, Indian officials have repeatedly rejected any terms that threaten rural economies.

What’s Next

The trade standoff between the world’s two largest democracies appears to be hardening, with both leaders appealing to domestic political bases. Trump’s order escalates the use of tariffs as a foreign policy tool, while Modi’s nationalist message seeks to consolidate support ahead of India’s next electoral cycle.

Any breakthrough on the stalled U.S.-India trade pact now seems unlikely in the short term, especially with both sides entrenched on agriculture and market access.

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