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:┬атАЬToday, 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 keepersтАФyour interests are my top priority. No matter how much pressure comes, we will endure it and grow stronger.тАЭ
ЁЯЪи 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
тАФ India Info Feed (@IndiaInfoFeed) August 26, 2025
Reiterating his call for self-reliance, the Prime Minister urged citizens to adopt swadeshi products:
тАЬEvery Indian should make it a habit to buy тАШMade in IndiaтАЩ goods. Shopkeepers should proudly display boards declaring that they sell only swadeshi products.тАЭ
рдЧреБрдЬрд░рд╛рдд рд╕рд╣рд┐рдд рджреЗрд╢рднрд░ рдХреЗ рдЕрдкрдиреЗ рдкрд░рд┐рд╡рд╛рд░рдЬрдиреЛрдВ рд╕реЗ рдЖрдиреЗ рд╡рд╛рд▓реЗ рддреНрдпреЛрд╣рд╛рд░реЛрдВ рдХреЛ рд▓реЗрдХрд░ рдореЗрд░рд╛ рдпрд╣ рд╡рд┐рд╢реЗрд╖ рдЖрдЧреНрд░рд╣тАж pic.twitter.com/nHllPaNSI5
тАФ 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 IndiaтАЩs continued purchase of Russian oil, has been branded by New Delhi as тАЬunfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.тАЭ
The steep duties pose a direct threat to IndiaтАЩs low-margin, labour-intensive sectors such as gems and jewellery, textiles, and seafood, besides agricultureтАФan area employing millions across the country.
Undeterred, Modi vowed to safeguard those most vulnerable to the fallout:
тАЬMy 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 readyтАФfor them.тАЭ
As the August 27 tariff deadline looms, IndiaтАЩs largest export market is set to become one of its toughest challenges, testing both New DelhiтАЩs economic resilience and diplomatic resolve.