India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the nation’s farmers amid escalating trade tensions with the United States.
Speaking during his Independence Day address at Delhi’s Red Fort on August 15, 2025, Modi emphasized the importance of economic self-reliance to bolster India’s sovereignty.
The remarks come as the U.S., under President Donald Trump, imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, citing India’s continued imports of Russian oil.
These tariffs, set to take effect on August 27, have strained trade negotiations, which collapsed earlier this month over disagreements on agricultural market access.
Modi declared his unwavering support for farmers, fishermen, and cattle rearers, positioning their welfare as a top priority.
“I am standing like a wall for our farmers,” he stated, vowing to shield them from policies threatening their livelihoods.
The Indian government has labeled the U.S. tariffs as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” signaling a firm stance to protect national interests.
This focus on farmers is critical, given their significant political influence, demonstrated by their successful protests against agricultural reforms in 2021, which forced Modi to repeal three farm laws.
To counter the economic impact of the tariffs, Modi announced a reduction in goods and services taxes (GST) starting in October 2025, timed with the Diwali festival to boost consumption during a peak shopping season.
He urged the promotion of ‘Swadeshi’ (made in India) products to enhance local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.
Modi highlighted upcoming advancements, such as India-made semiconductor chips hitting the market by year-end and exploration for critical minerals at over 1,200 locations, as steps toward self-reliance in critical sectors.
Although Modi did not explicitly address the U.S. tariffs, his emphasis on self-sufficiency in agriculture, industry, and defense highlights India's approach to managing global trade challenges.
The tariffs pose a risk to India's $87 billion export market to the U.S., impacting industries such as textiles, footwear, and jewelry.
Modi's appeal for economic resilience signifies a wider ambition to strengthen India against external influences while focusing on its farmers and internal development.