Ahmedabad: With just two days left before steep US tariffs on Indian exports take effect, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday struck a defiant tone, declaring that his government will not bow to external pressure at the cost of farmers, small traders, and local industries.
Addressing a public gathering after unveiling multiple development projects in Ahmedabad, Modi said: “Today, across the world, politics revolves around economic interests. But from the land of Gandhi, I want to assure my small entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, farmers, and animal keepers—your interests are my top priority. No matter how much pressure comes, we will endure it and grow stronger.”
🚨 PM Modi on Trump’s tariff: “No matter how much pressure comes, we will continue to build our strength to withstand it.”
The tariff on India will be applicable from tomorrow, August 27, at 9:31 AM. pic.twitter.com/rx92MprFGq
— India Info Feed (@IndiaInfoFeed) August 26, 2025
Reiterating his call for self-reliance, the Prime Minister urged citizens to adopt swadeshi products:
“Every Indian should make it a habit to buy ‘Made in India’ goods. Shopkeepers should proudly display boards declaring that they sell only swadeshi products.”
गुजरात सहित देशभर के अपने परिवारजनों से आने वाले त्योहारों को लेकर मेरा यह विशेष आग्रह… pic.twitter.com/nHllPaNSI5
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 25, 2025
The remarks come amid escalating trade tensions with Washington. The Trump administration has hiked tariffs on Indian imports to over 50%, one of the highest rates faced by any US trade partner. The move, linked to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, has been branded by New Delhi as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
The steep duties pose a direct threat to India’s low-margin, labour-intensive sectors such as gems and jewellery, textiles, and seafood, besides agriculture—an area employing millions across the country.
Undeterred, Modi vowed to safeguard those most vulnerable to the fallout:
“My government will never allow harm to come to our farmers, fishermen, and small businesses. I know I may have to pay the price for this stand, but I am ready—for them.”
As the August 27 tariff deadline looms, India’s largest export market is set to become one of its toughest challenges, testing both New Delhi’s economic resilience and diplomatic resolve.
