Ignore Trump's Tantrums, PM Modi Tells Indians In I-Day Speech Without Naming US President

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (15 August) appeared to take a veiled swipe at US President Donald Trump, telling Indians to focus on building their own strength rather than getting distracted and trying to weaken others.

“I say this with great experience. Kisi doosre ki lakeer chhoti karne ke liye apni oorja hamein nahi khapani hai… Himmat ke saath apni lakeer ko lambi karein (Our goal isn’t to shrink others, but to grow so tall that no one can ignore our strength),” Modi said, urging the nation to stay resilient amid rising “economic selfishness” in the world.

He added that India must not “sit crying over those crises” but instead work to ensure “no selfishness will be able to entangle us.”

Talks for a bilateral trade agreement between India and the US began in March 2025, with both sides saying the first tranche would be signed by October–November. Negotiations have been held in New Delhi, Washington, and virtually.

The Commerce and Industry Ministry said recently that it had “taken note” of Trump’s recent statement on bilateral trade and is studying its implications.

Tensions have spiked after Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian exports and an additional 25 per cent penalty over New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.