With the imposition of a 50 pc tariff on Indian goods by the United States set to take effect on August 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained steadfast, stating on Monday that his government would find a way to navigate the economic pressure from Washington.
Speaking at a public address in Ahmedabad, PM Modi said, "No matter how much pressure comes, we will keep increasing our strength to withstand it. Today, the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is getting a lot of energy from Gujarat and behind this are two decades of hard work."
He acknowledged the global trend of policies based on 'economic selfishness' but reassured the nation that India would stand firm against such protectionist measures and would prioritise the interests of its citizens.
Addressing a diverse audience including small shopkeepers, farmers, cattle rearers, and small entrepreneurs, Modi declared, “From the land of Gandhi, I promise again and again: for Modi, your interests are paramount. My government will never let small entrepreneurs, cattle rearers, or farmers suffer any harm.”
This statement follows a subtle message he delivered during his Independence Day speech, where he had urged a shift toward 'swadeshi' (Made in India) products and expressed solidarity with farmers and fishermen, which was seen as a direct response to the US tariffs. At that time, he had said, "Modi is standing like a wall against any harmful policy related to the farmers, fishermen and cattle-rearers of India. We will never accept any compromise regarding our farmers, their livestock rearers and fishermen."
The US had imposed an additional 25 pc tariff on Indian goods in August, raising the total levy to 50 pc. This measure was announced as a penalty for New Delhi's continued purchase of Russian oil. The move was unexpected and led to the sudden postponement of trade talks in Delhi, casting a shadow over the long-anticipated Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) that was expected around September–October.
Announcing the additional tariff, US President Donald Trump used his social media platform, Truth Social, to express his views. He stated that while India is a friend, trade relations have been limited because of what he described as excessive tariffs and restrictive non-monetary barriers.
"Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their tariffs are far too high — among the highest in the world — and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country," Trump wrote.
Despite the mounting pressure from Washington, New Delhi is continuing its parallel trade negotiations with the UK, EU, EFTA, and ASEAN. India is relying on its long-term strategic alignment with the US to ultimately outweigh the current tensions over tariffs, while also strengthening its energy ties and maintaining active engagement on Capitol Hill.
Also Read: PMO to hold crucial meet tomorrow as Trump’s 50pc tariffs begin
Follow us
