PM Modi to Farmers: ‘We Will Never Compromise’ on Your Interests

15 August-Kolkata, India: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared his government would never give in to the demands of its farmers and fishermen ahead of the 79th Independence Day celebrations. In Modi’s 12th Independence Day address to the nation and its people, the Indian PM pledged to “stand like a wall” to protect his country from foreign threats.

Analysts interpreted the Indian PM’s comments as an indirect jab towards the US President Donald Trump on the delayed trade agreement between the US and India.

PM Modi’s direct warning to the US

During the 79th Independence day celebrations, PM Modi said “It was a challenge to ensure food for everyone post-independence, but our farmers made us self-sufficient… Modi stands like a wall, won’t compromise on farmer.”

The Indian Prime Minister went on to say further about “Atmanirbhar Bharat. Being dependent on other countries is a recipe for disaster. We must be self-reliant to safeguard our interests.”

The comments subtly criticized US President Donald Trump. Trump had stalled the trade agreement between both the nations and also imposed a 50% tariff on Indian products and goods.

Despite President Trump’s recent complaints about India purchasing energy from Russia, a Cold War rival, the trade deal between the United States and India has stalled. This stagnation is largely due to US demands for specific compromises from India in the agriculture sector.

PM Modi on his commitment towards the nation

PM Modi vowed that he is going to protect the interests of fishermen and farmers of this nation at any cost from foreign threats, and he is going to pay a huge personal price for this. Modi said, “For us, our farmers’ welfare is supreme. India will never compromise on the well-being of its farmers, dairy sector and fishermen. And I know personally I will have to pay a heavy price for it.”

The remarks came after Trump imposed a 25 per cent additional tariff on Indian goods and products on Wednesday, bringing the total levy to 50 per cent, one of the highest levied against any of the US’s trading partners.