 "Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Donald Trump. Reuters")
As the US continues to raise tariffs on India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it clear that India would never compromise on national interest, especially the interests of the country’s farmers.
“India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers, and fishermen brothers and sisters. I know personally that I will have to pay a heavy price for this, but I am prepared for it,” the prime minister said in a statement on Thursday.
“India stands firmly with its farmers, and I am ready to face whatever it takes for their welfare,” he averred. The remarks from PM Modi were seen as a stern reply to Trump’s move to impose additional 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods.
India hits back
The Trump administration has been calling out India’s import of Russian oil amid the war in Ukraine. However, Indian maintained that it is engaging in the transaction to ensure that the country’s energy needs are met.
PM Modi’s remarks on the matter came while he was addressing the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi. Amid the souring ties, the Trump administration has given a lifeline to India. A team of negotiators from the US is scheduled to visit India on August 25 to discuss the trade deal.
However, the discussion on the deal has been stretched on longer than expected because of New Delhi’s reluctance to open the dairy and agriculture sectors.
Experts argue that there is scope for the tariffs being slashed, provided India offers some concessions or opens up the dairy and agriculture sector as per the US’s demands.
However, the opening up of these sectors would pose a threat to the livelihoods of farmers, something PM Modi has strongly indicated India is not willing to do.
This is a developing story.