New Delhi | August 7, 2025 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded firmly after US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports. Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi, PM Modi said India will never compromise when it comes to protecting its farmers, fishermen, and livestock holders.

“The interest of farmers is our top priority,” he said. “India will never compromise with the interests of its farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen. I know I will have to pay a huge price personally, but I am ready. India is ready—for the sake of the country’s farmers.”

This was PM Modi’s first public reaction after the new tariff announcement, which came just a day ago. The US government raised tariffs on Indian exports by another 25%, blaming India’s continued imports of Russian oil. This brings the total additional tariff to 50% on certain Indian goods.

The Ministry of External Affairs has called the US move “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” In a statement, the ministry said, “Our oil imports are based on market conditions and serve to secure energy needs for 1.4 billion Indians. Many other countries are doing the same.”

The ministry added, “It is unfortunate that the US chose to target India. We will take all steps necessary to protect our national interest.”

India exports a variety of agricultural products to the United States, and the farming sector is expected to be hit the hardest by the new tariffs. However, the Prime Minister made it clear that he will stand by India’s farmers no matter what.

During his speech, PM Modi also paid tribute to Dr. MS Swaminathan, known as the father of the Green Revolution in India. He said, “We are proud of Dr. Swaminathan’s legacy. Now, our goal is to go beyond food security and ensure nutrition security for all Indians.”

The tariffs come at a time when relations between India and the US are already tense. The two countries have not resumed trade talks after they stalled earlier this year. Washington had been asking India to open up more of its agricultural markets, something New Delhi has been resisting to protect local farmers.

The situation became more strained after “Operation Sindoor”—India’s military response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. PM Modi has denied Trump’s claim that the US helped broker peace between India and Pakistan after the operation. “No world leader told us to stop Operation Sindoor,” Modi said earlier in Parliament.

The tariff hikes appear to be a result of these rising tensions, both over trade and geopolitical issues. But PM Modi’s message is clear: national interest comes first.

As both countries weigh their next steps, India has signaled that while it seeks peace and trade, it will not back down when it comes to the welfare of its farmers and its sovereignty.