Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to protect the interests of India’s farmers, fishermen, and cattle rearers, declaring he would stand “like a wall” against any policy that harms them.
His remarks come against the backdrop of heightened trade tensions with the United States, which has imposed a 25% additional tariff on Indian goods, terming it a ‘penalty’ for India’s purchase of Russian oil. Washington has also been pressing New Delhi to open its agriculture market, a move India has been reluctant to accept.
“If any policy is against India’s farmers, fishermen, or cattle rearers, Modi is standing like a wall,” the Prime Minister asserted in Hindi. Urging the nation to respond to global “economic selfishness” with resilience, he said, “We must focus our energy on lengthening our own line rather than trying to shorten someone else’s. If we do that, the world will acknowledge our strength.”
The US action comes even as the two nations continue negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), with the first tranche expected by late 2025. India has voiced concerns over opening its agriculture and dairy sectors, which provide livelihoods to millions.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is holding consultations with exporters, industries, MSMEs, and other stakeholders to assess the impact of US tariffs and devise measures to safeguard domestic interests.
President Donald Trump, now in his second term, has reiterated his policy of tariff reciprocity, pledging to match the duties other nations impose on US goods, including those from India, in the name of “fair trade.”
