PM Modi outlines India’s response in 3 speeches as Trump readies to hit imports with new tariffs

The US has notified implementation of new tariffs on Indian goods effective from Wednesday. The tariffs, going up to 50 per cent, were announced earlier by President Donald Trump. As the Trump administration prepares to collect new tariff rates on Indian imports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined India’s response to these levies, which have been widely interpreted as the current White House’s attempt to bully India to agree to a trade deal that the incumbent US president aims to thrust upon New Delhi.

In his recent public speeches, PM Modi has sharpened his message — India will not bend under foreign pressure and will protect the livelihoods of its farmers, small entrepreneurs, and workers.

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‘India will never surrender’

Speaking on August 7 at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi made it clear that New Delhi would not compromise when it comes to the country’s agrarian backbone.

“For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers,” Modi declared. He underlined the personal stakes of such a stance, adding, “I know personally, I will have to pay a heavy price for it, but I am ready for it. Today, India is ready for the country’s farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers.”

His remarks were seen as a direct response to Washington’s move to impose an additional 25 per cent duty on Indian goods, raising the cumulative tariff to 50 per cent. By linking his government’s position to the legacy of agricultural reformer MS Swaminathan, Modi sent a strong message — India’s farmers would not be sacrificed in trade negotiations.

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Atmanirbhar Bharat and ‘Daam Kam, Dum Zyaada’

In his 12th Independence Day speech on August 15, Modi expanded the scope of his economic message, tying the farmer-first policy to the broader goal of self-reliance. Addressing the nation from the Red Fort, he declared that India’s independence must now translate into economic sovereignty.

“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,” he said .

Warning against overdependence on imports, he emphasised: “Those who rely too much on others invite a big question mark over their freedom. The real misfortune begins when dependence becomes a habit, and without even realising it, we stop being self-reliant.”

His call was backed by a manufacturing mantra: ‘Daam kam, dum zyaada’ — affordable cost, more powerful. “The world values quality, and if we want to strengthen India’s image in the global market, we must focus on producing high-quality products,” Modi argued.

With Trump’s tariffs looming, this was seen as a rallying cry to Indian industry to innovate and scale up rather than seek concessions abroad.

Ahmedabad rally: Resisting economic pressure

Ten days later, on August 25, Modi sharpened his rhetoric in Ahmedabad, where he inaugurated projects worth ₹5,400 crore. Without naming the United States directly, he framed the global trade environment as one of narrow self-interest.

“Aaj duniya me arthik swarth wali rajniti hai, sab koi apna karne me lage hain. Usse hum bhali bhanti dekh rahe hain [Today in this world, there is politics of economic self-interest, everyone looks out for themselves. We are witnessing this],” he told the crowd.

From Gujarat’s soil, Modi pledged to protect the most vulnerable sectors: “The interests of small entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, farmers and livestock rearers are of utmost priority for Modi… Dabav kitna hi kyun na aaye, hum jhelne ki apni takat badhate jayenge [No matter how much pressure comes, we will keep increasing our strength to withstand it].”

The statement came just two days before Trump’s new tariffs were set to take effect, and it showed PM Modi’s determination to shield domestic producers from foreign shocks. He also linked the struggle to the larger vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, urging people to prefer Swadeshi and “Make in India” products as the road to a Viksit Bharat.

Farmers, self-reliance and trade stalemate

PM Modi’s three August speeches reflected a coherent strategy: defend the agricultural sector, promote self-reliance and resist foreign pressure. They also came against the backdrop of stalled trade talks between New Delhi and Washington. The US has demanded India open its dairy and agriculture sectors, but PM Modi has repeatedly insisted that doing so would devastate rural livelihoods.

“India stands firmly with its farmers, and I am ready to face whatever it takes for their welfare,” he affirmed earlier this month. His words reflect why trade negotiations have dragged on despite repeated US pressure.

While there is room for concessions, PM Modi’s messaging makes it clear that the core of India’s agrarian economy will remain off-limits.

A clear message before tariffs take effect fully

With Trump’s 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods set to come into force on August 27, Modi’s speeches collectively convey India’s red lines.

Whether invoking Swaminathan’s legacy, laying out the mantra of ‘Daam kam, dum zyaada’, or pledging resilience in Ahmedabad, the prime minister has consistently emphasised one theme — India will not compromise on national interest, particularly its farmers.

The prime minister, eyeing to send a clear message, put it like this: “Modi stands like a wall.”