India Won’t Compromise on Farmers’ Interests, Says PM Modi

In a decisive address, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared India’s staunch commitment to its farmers, stating unequivocally that the country will not compromise their interests, even at a "heavy price." This statement, received as a response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats, was made during the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference.

Prime Minister Modi underscored that India is steadfast in protecting its agribusiness sector, indicating his willingness to endure significant costs to safeguard farmers and their livelihoods. The U.S. had announced a hefty 25% additional tariff on Indian goods, exacerbating existing trade tensions due to India's continued oil imports from Russia. This brings the total tariffs on certain Indian exports to 50%, intensifying fears of a trade conflict impacting agriculture.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned these U.S. measures as "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable." The situation highlights the interconnectedness of geopolitical dynamics and agricultural trade, emphasizing the potential implications for global dairy economics.

Further, Modi invoked the memory of MS Swaminathan, the architect behind India’s Green Revolution, advocating for a transition from mere food security to nutritional security aligned with biodiversity-driven development, referred to as "bio-happiness." His address reiterated that agriculture remains central to India’s national priorities amid international pressures.