Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reaffirmed that India would not compromise on the interests of its farmers, delivering a strong message amid ongoing tensions over a stalled trade deal with the United States.
Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day, Modi stated, “India’s farmers and fishermen are our priority. India will never accept any compromise when it comes to their interests. Modi deewar bankar khada hai (Modi stands like a wall).”
The remarks come amid U.S. pressure to open Indian markets to American agricultural and dairy products — a key sticking point in the trade negotiations, which have failed after five rounds of talks.
Citing his government’s vision for a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat), Modi warned against over-dependence on foreign nations. “Being dependent on other countries is a recipe for disaster. We must be self-reliant to safeguard our interests.”
He also noted targeted efforts to support vulnerable farming communities, announcing that 100 districts had been identified for enhanced agricultural support under the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana.
Push for Self-Reliance in Technology and Energy
Modi also emphasized India’s push toward technological and energy independence. He announced that domestically produced semiconductor chips would enter the market by the end of 2025.
In a broader push for indigenisation, the Prime Minister urged the development of Indian-made fertilisers and fighter jet engines. “To build a truly self-reliant India, we must achieve energy independence,” he said, highlighting a 30-fold increase in solar capacity over the past decade and plans to expand nuclear energy production tenfold by 2047.
The statements come amid rising global economic uncertainty and increased tariffs from Washington, including a 25% duty on Indian goods and further levies linked to India’s continued import of Russian oil.
