Taking a firm stance in view of the US imposing a steep 50% tariff on India and the delay in finalisation of a bilateral free trade deal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he is standing like a wall against any policy that could harm the country’s farmers or fishermen.
PM Modi did not directly refer to US tariffs or the ongoing trade talks with the United States during his speech from the Red Fort, but he said, “Bharat ke kisan, machuware, pashupalak se judi kisi bhi ahitkaari neeti ke aage Modi deewar banke khada hai… (Modi is standing like a wall in front of any policy against the interest of our farmers, fishermen, cattle rearers of India…).”
“Modi is standing like a wall in front of any policy against the interest of our farmers, fishermen, cattle… pic.x.com/vHdRWR1hkP
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2025
PM Modi’s remarks on protecting farmers come amid US pressure on the FTA, as Washington seeks concessions in agriculture and dairy sectors.
India-US trade talks reached a stalemate after India refused to grant the United States greater access to its dairy and agricultural markets. New Delhi maintained that any concessions could harm the interests of Indian farmers, signaling its commitment to protecting domestic agriculture amid ongoing trade negotiations.