'I'm Ready To Pay A Personal Price For India's Farmers': Modi Refuses To Budge As Trump Escalates Tariff War

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has, for the first time, publicly addressed the issue of US President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on India, delivering a resolute message.

“For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers," the Prime Minister said at a conference he was addressing earlier today (7 August).

"I know, personally, I will have to pay a heavy price for it, but I am ready for it … India is ready for it," he was quoted by ANI as saying.

Trump’s earlier imposition of a 25 percent “reciprocal tariff” was announced on 30 July, 2025, effective 1 August, followed by an additional 25 per cent penalty on Wednesday (6 August), bringing total duties on most Indian exports to 50 per cent.

The US says the move is intended to penalise India for continuing to buy Russian oil during the Ukraine war. However, many observers of the US-India relationship suggest the real issue may lie elsewhere, specifically in India’s refusal to endorse Donald Trump’s repeated claims that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Some believe this may be at least part, if not the entire, reason behind Washington’s action.

India has strongly condemned the move. The Ministry of External Affairs called the tariffs “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” highlighting that India’s imports reflect market needs and energy security concerns for its 1.4 billion citizens.

The trade talks between the US and India collapsed after multiple rounds of negotiation and miscommunication, with expectations of a capped 15 per cent tariff unmet and the deal left in limbo.

Analysts warn that the geopolitical fallout may outweigh the economic costs, noting the US risks pushing India further toward Russia or China as the strategic partnership frays.