India-US Tariff War / Modi's reply to Trump's 50% tariff, said- will not compromise on the interests of farmers

India-US Tariff War: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took a tough stand against the additional tariff imposed on India by US President Donald Trump and made it clear that India will not compromise on the interests of its farmers, fishermen and people associated with the dairy sector. This statement was given at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference held in Delhi, where PM Modi said, "If I have to personally pay the price to protect the interests of farmers, then I am ready for it."

India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers. pic.twitter.com/WExdyvkLRU

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 7, 2025

US announces tariff and secondary sanctions

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a 25 percent additional tariff on India for oil trade with Russia. Along with this, a 25 percent tariff was imposed on goods imported from India last week, after which India now has a total tariff burden of 50 percent. Trump also said that preparations are being made to impose secondary sanctions on India for trade with Russia. Secondary sanctions are imposed on countries that trade with a country (Russia) on which primary sanctions are already applicable. Trump warned India that it is getting closer to China in buying oil from Russia, for which it may face more stringent economic sanctions.

India's agriculture and dairy sector sensitive

One of the major reasons of tension in the trade talks between the US and India is the lack of consensus in the agriculture and dairy sector. The US has long been demanding access to India's agriculture and dairy market, but India has made it clear that these sectors are sensitive and no compromise will be made with them. India is the world's largest milk producer, and it has also told the US that it cannot allow dairy products that are obtained from cows that are fed non-vegetarian things.

PM Modi's assurance to farmers

At the conference held at ICAR Pusa in Delhi, PM Modi said, "For us, the interest of farmers, fishermen and cattle rearers is the top priority. We have never allowed opening up of the dairy and agriculture sector in trade agreements, nor will we do so in the future." He also added that the government is constantly working to increase the income of farmers, reduce expenditure on farming and create new sources of income.

PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana and other initiatives

Referring to the recently approved PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana, Modi said that under this, facilities and financial help are being given to promote farming in 100 backward districts. Apart from this, the creation of 10 thousand FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations) has given organized strength to small farmers. e-NAM (Electronic National Agriculture Market) has made it easier for farmers to sell their produce. PM Kisan Samman Nidhi gave financial assistance to small farmers, while PM Crop Insurance Scheme provided protection from risk. Irrigation problems have also been addressed through PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana.

PMO's tweet

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) tweeted, "We are constantly working for the progress of farmers. Our goal is to increase the income of farmers, reduce expenditure on farming and create new sources of income. Our government has considered the strength of farmers as the basis of the country's progress."

#WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "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 personally, I will have to pay a heavy price for it, but I am ready for it.… pic.twitter.com/W7ZO2Zy6EE

— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2025