Modi Hardens Stand against Trump Tariff amid Trade Tension

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With India-US relations in downward spiral, geopolitical experts are attributing “personal and political” motives to Trump

By TRH Global Affairs Desk

NEW DELHI, August 7, 2025 — In a veiled message to US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday almost shut doors on any kind of negotiations in agriculture and fisheries. Modi also suggested in his remarks that Trump’s bullying tactics will not work with India.

“Interests of our farmers and fishermen are supreme. We will not compromise with their interests,” said Modi, while speaking at an event in the national capital. His remarks came within hours of Trump signing an executive order to slap additional 25% tariffs on India for buying Russian oils.

“I know that I may personally have to pay a heavy price. But I will not allow interests of our farmers and fishermen get compromised,” said the Prime Minister. His mention of personal stakes amid the ongoing tension with the US over tariffs is most likely linked to political risks due to the likelihood of economic stress in the country. Yet Modi’s mention of risks of personal cost to him added intrigue to the ongoing trade tension with the US.

The remarks of Prime Minister along with a firm statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs give enough hints of a substantive defiance from India to attempt of Trump to bully New Delhi. Geopolitical experts in the US also have begun questioning Trump and his associates for double-standard in tariffing India for buying Russian oil, which is bought more by China and the European Union.

Modi’s remarks also came amid reports that the US had been pressing hard India to allow American agricultural and fisheries at zero tariffs. Sources also said that Trump had been putting pressure on India to buy American defence goods and commit to make investment in the US on the lines of Japan.

India’s toughening of the stance also puts the planned visit of the US trade negotiating team under a shadow. The visit is planned for August 21 from when the additional 25% tariff will come in force.

With India-US relations going in downward spiral, geopolitical experts are attributing “personal and political” motives to Trump in singling out India for harsh tariffs. Some of the experts have even alleged that Trump administration has shown racist bias in dealing with India.

The Prime Minister is also likely to play a hard game with Trump and capitalise on tension to refashion his image in domestic politics. By championing the cause of farmers, Modi may seek to wrest back the support base that was slipping away from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

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