Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to protect the interests and well-being of the farmers, fishermen, livestock rearers of the country. Prime Minister’s strong message came in the backdrop of the massive tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Indian imports into the US. PM Modi also asserted that he is aware of the fact that he has to pay huge prices for affirming these statements. But he is ready to pay any such price in order to ensure the welfare of farmers.
“The interests of the farmers are our top priority. India will never compromise with the interests of its farmers, livestock holders and fishermen community. And I know that I will have to pay a huge price for this personally, but I am ready. India is ready for the sake of the country’s farmers, fishermen and livestock holders”, Prime Minister said while speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi.
Prime Minister’s bold and firm statement came in the backdrop of Trump imposing 25 per cent tariffs on Indian exports to the US. The US President also imposed 25 per cent additional tariff on India for purchasing the Russian oil. The total tariffs on India thus stand at a mammoth 50 per cent. Despite, such huge tariff burden, the government of India is committed to its strategic autonomy, ensuring its national priorities & energy security and ultimately realizing the welfare of farmers and other grassroot communities.
Major Irritants between India and the USA
India and the US relations are on a disturbed path post Operation Sindoor and when India outrightly rejected the claims made by the Trump administration regarding the latter’s role in ending the conflict between India and Pakistan. India’s firm assurance on its sovereignty and strategic autonomy in the Indo-Pak conflict might have irked the US and probably have resorted to the route of trade weaponization to fulfill American interests.
Adding to this, India’s uncompromising affirmation on its national interests during the trade negotiations with the US also might have been an irritant that has stimulated the Trump administration to impose high tariffs. The US has been unable to strike an easy trade deal with India that predominantly works in America’s favour. India is been unequivocal in protecting the interests of the agricultural and the dairy sector from any kind of tariff burden or market disruptions. On the other hand, US demands for more concession and seeks entry into the agricultural, dairy and related sectors.
Additionally, Trump has infused 25 per cent more tariff on India for the latter buying Russian oil. This can be a mere another reason for the US administration to impose additional tariffs on India as they are hitherto been annoyed due to India’s strong and uncompromising commitment towards national security and strategic interests, without kneeling down to any kind of trade-related pressure during the negotiations. Instead, what India advocates is for a trade deal that is fair, reasonable and balanced.
Meanwhile, MEA said, “US targeting India over Russian oil imports is unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. Our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India. Will take all actions necessary to protect the national interests”.
