Watch: PM Modi's big message to Trump on tariffs: 'Will stand like a wall for farmers'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that his government would never compromise with the interests of its farmers and fisherfolk. In his 12th Independence Day address to the nation, the Prime Minister vowed to “stand like a wall” to guard the country, especially its farmers.

The remarks from the prime minister were seen as a subtle message directed towards US President Donald Trump over the stalled trade deal between India and the US.

“It was a challenge to ensure food for everyone post-independence, but our farmers made us self-sufficient… Modi stands like a wall, won’t compromise on farmers,” the Prime Minister said in his 12th consecutive Independence Day speech on Friday.

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He went on to echo his government’s push for an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. “Being dependent on other countries is a recipe for disaster. We must be self-reliant to safeguard our interests,” the prime minister said.

The remarks from the Indian Prime Minister came at a time when Trump imposed nearly 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods. While Trump complained about India purchasing oil from Russia, the trade deal between the two nations is stalled over America’s demands from India to make some compromise in the agricultural sector.

PM Modi’s Friday remark came days after he said that he was ready to personally pay a huge price to protect farmers’ interests. “For us, our farmers’ welfare is supreme,” PM Modi said at an event in New Delhi on August 7. “India will never compromise on the well-being of its farmers, dairy sector and fishermen. And I know personally I will have to pay a heavy price for it,” he said.

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The comments came on the same day Trump announced an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods on Wednesday, raising the total duty to 50 per cent — among the highest imposed on any trading partners of the United States.