New Delhi: In a strong and emotive declaration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of its farmers, even in the face of mounting international trade pressure. Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference on Tuesday, the Prime Minister stated unequivocally that the country would never compromise on the interests of its agricultural community.
“For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority,” Modi said. “India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers. I know we will have to pay a heavy price for it, and I am ready for it. India is ready for it.”
#WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know personally, I will have to pay a heavy price for it, but I am ready for it.… pic.twitter.com/W7ZO2Zy6EE
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2025
The remarks come just days after the United States imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian imports, citing concerns over India’s growing energy trade with Russia. This led to diplomatic tensions between the two nations, with India calling the decision “unjustified” and vowing to protect its national interests.
The Prime Minister’s statement is seen as a direct response to global pressure, particularly from Washington, which has criticized India’s trade choices—especially its increasing purchase of Russian crude oil. US officials argue that such imports undermine international efforts related to the Ukraine conflict. India, however, has maintained that its energy purchases are guided by national interest and the need to ensure affordable and secure supplies for its 1.4 billion citizens.
At the conference, Modi also praised the legacy of renowned agricultural scientist Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, credited with spearheading India’s Green Revolution, and emphasized the importance of self-reliance in agriculture.
“The path shown by Dr. Swaminathan continues to guide our policies today. We are committed to empowering our farmers with better technology, fair prices, and a global platform,” Modi added.
India’s strong stance on farmer protection is likely to influence upcoming trade negotiations and signal to international partners that the nation’s domestic priorities will not be sidelined by external pressure.
While it remains to be seen how the situation will evolve, Prime Minister Modi’s message sends a clear signal: national interest and the welfare of the farming community remain non-negotiable.
