Modi standing like wall: PM vows to protect farmers, fishermens interests amid Trump tariff
PM Modi's remarks comes amid simmering tensions between the US and India over the former's mover to impose 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods. He underscored that India needs to prove its mettle in global markets with quality products.
New Delhi: In a veiled message to the US amid tariff row, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that he is standing like a wall against any policy that threatens interests of farmers and fishermen. he made the remarks while addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of 79th Independence Day speech.
His remarks comes amid simmering tensions between the US and India over the former's mover to impose 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods.
"Farmers, livestock keepers, and fishermen are our top priorities. Any unfriendly policy that threatens their interests, Modi is standing like a wall against it. India will never compromise when it comes to protecting the interests of our farmers. We will not accept any detrimental policies," PM Modi said in apparent reference to tariffs imposed on Indian goods by US President Donald Trump.
'Need not to waste energy in belittling others'
The Prime Minister also underscored that India needs to prove its mettle in global markets with quality products. "Daam kam, Dum jayda' (affordability and quality) should be our mantra for 'Made in India' products. We should not waste our energy in belittling others, our focus should be on strengthening ourselves," he added.
"The past decade focused on reform, perform and transform; now we have to focus on greater goals. We want our traders, shopkeepers to display boards for 'Swadeshi' products. If you need any change in government policies, do let me know," he said, pushing pushed "Made in India" products under the Centre's flagship campaign.
India-US tariff row
On August 6, Trump slapped an additional 25 percent tariff on India, doubling the levy to 50 percent on Indian goods over New Delhi's continuous imports of Russian oil. In addition to this, the trade talks between the two counties have also hit a roadblock as India has not caved in to the US demands to provide increased market access to American agricultural and dairy products.
India criticised the US tariff move saying it was "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable". Prime Minister Modi on Thursday said New Delhi would not back down in the face of economic pressure.