Addressing the issue, PM Modi acknowledged that standing up for local communities might come at a cost, but declared he is prepared to 'pay the price' in order to safeguard their livelihoods
PM Modi acknowledged that standing up for local communities might come at a cost, but declared he is prepared to 'pay the price' in order to safeguard their livelihoods. File Pic
A day after US President Donald Trump escalated the tariff dispute with India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a firm response, stating that India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers and fishermen.
Addressing the issue, PM Modi acknowledged that standing up for local communities might come at a cost, but declared he is prepared to 'pay the price' in order to safeguard their livelihoods.
His statement comes as a strong message of resistance and support for India’s agricultural and coastal sectors during rising trade tensions between the two nations.
Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi, PM 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," reported the ANI.
He said that farmers remain India's top priority, stating that the country would never compromise their interests -- a firm message in response to the recent tariffs imposed by Trump administration.
PM Modi's remarks come in the wake of the Trump administration's move to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent. During trade negotiations, the US had pushed for greater access to India's agricultural market, especially corn, soybeans, and cotton. However, India has resisted opening the agricultural sector and dairy products, due to concerns about domestic livelihoods and potential impacts on farmers.
Meanwhile, earlier, India on Wednesday described the US action of levying 25 per cent additional tariff on Indian goods as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable".
India's sharp reaction came in after US President Donald Trump signing an executive order citing India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil despite Western sanctions.
The new tariff comes on top of the 25 per cent levies already imposed by the US, bringing a total of 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests. "We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable," it said, reported the PTI.
The MEA said the US has in recent days "targeted" India's 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 done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India," it said.
"It is therefore 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," it added.
(with ANI and PTI inputs)
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