Key Takeaways:
- Defiant Stand: PM Modi vows India will not compromise on farmers’ and fishermen’s interests despite US tariff pressures.
- Heavy Tariffs: Trump imposes 50% duties on Indian imports, including a fresh 25% levy on Russian oil purchases.
- Global Impact: The move marks one of the highest US tariff impositions, escalating trade tensions between the two nations.
New Delhi, August 7, 2025 – In a powerful address at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a clear message to the United States amid escalating trade tensions: India will not back down, even if it means paying a heavy price.
The statement came just hours after the first wave of 25% tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump on Indian imports took effect. Last week, the White House announced these duties as part of a broader executive order targeting multiple nations. However, in a surprising escalation, Trump added another 25% levy on India’s purchases of Russian oil, pushing the total tariffs to a staggering 50%—one of the highest ever imposed by the US on any country.
“For us, the interests of our farmers, fishermen, and dairy workers come first,” PM Modi declared. “India will never compromise on their welfare. I know we may have to bear a significant cost for this stance, and I am prepared for it. The nation stands ready.”
The additional tariffs on Russian oil imports are set to take effect in 21 days (August 27), further straining trade relations between the two nations. Analysts suggest that this move could disrupt global supply chains and impact key Indian industries.
A Strategic or Political Move?
While the White House framed the tariffs as a measure to ensure “fair trade reciprocity,” experts speculate whether Trump’s decision was influenced by geopolitical tensions, including India’s continued energy trade with Russia.
PM Modi’s remarks mark his first direct response to the tariff hike, signaling India’s readiness to absorb economic shocks rather than yield to external pressure. As trade tensions intensify, the world watches closely to see how this standoff will reshape US-India relations in the coming months.
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