India Hits Back at U.S. Tariffs: Modi Says “Even at Personal Cost, We Stand Firm”

India Draws Red Line After Trump’s 50% Tariff Shock

New Delhi: In a firm response to escalating trade tensions with the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday declared that India will not compromise on its core national interests, even if it means personal sacrifice.

Addressing the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi, Modi pushed back against former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose steep 50% tariffs on Indian imports. The move, which Trump framed as punishment for India’s continued energy ties with Russia, was swiftly met with defiance in New Delhi.

“India will never compromise the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers, or fisherfolk,” Modi said. “I know I may have to pay a heavy personal price, but I am prepared.”

#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

Trump had earlier accused India of profiteering from discounted Russian oil while ignoring the humanitarian cost of the war in Ukraine. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed that India was “buying massive amounts” of Russian oil and reselling it on the open market for “big profits,” warning of further tariff hikes.

MEA Slams Tariffs as ‘Unfair and Hypocritical’

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong rebuttal, calling the new tariffs “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” and vowed to take all necessary measures to protect India’s economic security.

In a sharply worded statement, the ministry accused the United States and the European Union of double standards, pointing out that both blocs continue to maintain significant trade ties with Russia — even as they criticize India for doing the same.

“India’s energy imports are a necessity driven by market realities,” the statement read. “Unlike others, we do not have the luxury of ideological posturing. Our actions are guided solely by the need to ensure affordable energy for 1.4 billion Indians.”

India Exposes West’s Trade With Russia

Backing its claims with concrete data, the MEA highlighted that:

• The European Union recorded €67.5 billion in trade in goods with Russia in 2024, along with €17.2 billion in services the previous year.

• European LNG imports from Russia reached a record 16.5 million tonnes in 2024.

• The EU continues to buy Russian fertilizers, chemicals, machinery, and steel.

• The United States imports uranium hexafluoride, palladium, and various chemicals from Russia — products critical for its nuclear energy and electric vehicle sectors.

“In light of these facts, singling out India is both hypocritical and politically motivated,” the ministry stated.

Trump Deflects When Confronted With Data

#WATCH | Responding to ANI’s question on US imports of Russian Uranium, chemical fertilisers while criticising their (Indian) energy imports’, US President Donald Trump says, “I don’t know anything about it. I have to check…”

(Source: US Network Pool via Reuters) pic.twitter.com/OOejcaGz2t

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2025

When pressed on India’s allegations and the West’s own ongoing trade with Russia, Trump offered little more than a shrug: “I don’t know anything about it. I have to check,” he told reporters.

Nonetheless, Trump stood by his accusations, claiming India was undermining the West’s stance on Russia and vowing to maintain pressure through tariffs.

Curiously, Trump simultaneously announced tariff reductions for Pakistan, lowering duties to 19% and unveiling a new trade deal to assist Islamabad in developing its oil reserves — a move widely interpreted as strategic political signaling.

‘India Is Ready’: Modi Draws Red Line

In his remarks, Modi made clear that India will not be coerced, economically or diplomatically.

“For the fisherfolk of my country, for the livestock rearers of my country — today, India is ready,” he said. “We remain committed to increasing farmers’ incomes and expanding rural livelihoods.”

A senior Indian official echoed the Prime Minister’s stance, telling The Researchers, “India is not in the business of appeasing any nation. Our focus is on safeguarding our sovereignty, our economy, and our people.”

As global trade and geopolitical equations grow more unpredictable, New Delhi’s message is unequivocal: India will stand its ground — with or without Washington’s approval.