“Pressure Will Increase, But We’ll Withstand It”: PM Modi Ahead of US Tariff Deadline
With just two days left before the US deadline on Indian imports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that his government would stand firm in protecting the interests of farmers and small-scale industries, even if international pressure mounts.
Speaking in Ahmedabad after launching multiple projects, the Prime Minister stressed that India will not compromise on its people’s welfare despite Washington’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent, including an additional 25 percent penalty linked to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil.
India, among the world’s largest crude importers, has relied on discounted Russian oil to keep fuel costs stable. With the August 27 deadline approaching, New Delhi faces a tough choice: finding alternate suppliers at higher prices or risking fresh blows to its export sectors.
Calling the US move “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” India warned that switching suppliers could fuel domestic price rises, while non-compliance may worsen export losses.
“Today, global politics revolves around economic interests. From this land of Gandhi, I assure farmers, small shopkeepers, entrepreneurs, and animal keepers that their interests are my top priority. No matter how much pressure comes, my government will never let harm reach them,” PM Modi said.
He also urged citizens and businesses to adopt swadeshi goods. “Every establishment should proudly display that they sell only Made-in-India products. We must all commit to buying swadeshi,” he added.
The tariff hike threatens India’s labour-intensive, low-margin industries such as textiles, seafood, and gems and jewellery, while agriculture—employing millions—remains a sticking point in ongoing trade talks.
Former RBI Governor Urjit Patel described the situation as “India’s worst fears,” warning that the standoff could spiral into a “needless trade war” with inevitable welfare losses if a deal is not reached.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
