‘Standing Like a Wall’: Modi Vows to Defend Farmers and Fishermen Against Trump’s Tariffs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in what appeared to be a pointed response to US President Donald Trump, pledged to act as an unyielding barrier in defense of India’s farmers, livestock rearers, and fishermen. He assured the nation that there would be no compromise when it comes to safeguarding their interests.
“India’s farmers, livestock keepers, and fishermen are our top priority. Modi is standing like a wall against any policy that harms them. India will never agree to anything that undermines their interests,” he declared during his speech marking India’s 79th Independence Day.
The statement followed Trump’s decision to slap 50% tariffs on Indian imports — a move India condemned as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” The tariffs came in retaliation to New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
Protests Over US Tariffs
Trump’s tariff hike marked a sharp shift from the long-standing US policy of maintaining cordial economic ties with India, a crucial partner in Asia. In response, several farmers’ and workers’ groups staged demonstrations and burned effigies of Trump.
Earlier this month, Modi had firmly stated that while he was prepared to bear a “heavy price,” he would never compromise on the interests of India’s rural and fishing communities.
Agriculture has consistently been a sticking point in Indo-US trade talks. While Washington pushes for greater access for American agricultural and dairy products, New Delhi continues to shield its farming sector, which sustains millions of rural livelihoods and benefits from the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system.
In 2024–25, India-US bilateral trade stood at $131.8 billion ($86.5 billion in exports and $45.3 billion in imports). Both leaders have previously voiced ambitions to more than double that figure to $500 billion in the coming years.
Modi on Economic and Legal Reforms
PM Modi also announced the formation of a task force for next-generation reforms, aimed at updating laws to meet 21st-century needs and positioning India to become a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047.
“We are on the path to prosperity, but that road passes through security. Over the past 11 years, we have worked with total dedication on national security, defence, and the protection of our people,” he noted.
