Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of farmers, stating that India will not compromise on the welfare of its agricultural community, regardless of international trade pressures.
Speaking at the centenary celebration of MS Swaminathan in New Delhi on Thursday, Modi said, “No matter how high the tariffs imposed, India’s farmers’ interests will remain our top priority. We will never compromise on the wellbeing of our farmers, livestock rearers, or fishers.”
Modi acknowledged the potential personal and political costs of his stance, saying, “I know I may have to pay a high price personally for this, but I am ready. The government of India is fully prepared to defend the interests of farmers, animal rearers, and fishers.”
His comments came in the wake of new US tariffs imposed on Indian goods.
Following continued oil purchases from Russia, the United States on Wednesday raised duties on Indian products by 50%, with the new tariff set to take effect on August 27.
While Modi did not explicitly mention the US or the collapsed trade talks, his comments marked a clear defence of India’s position. India views US agricultural imports as a threat due to concerns over the livelihood of millions of small-scale farmers, religious sensitivities surrounding livestock, particularly cattle and the potential influx of heavily subsidised, industrial-scale US products that could undercut local producers.