NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared India would not yield on agricultural protections following new US tariffs.
The US announced 50% levies on Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s Russian oil purchases as a factor.
Trade tensions centre on Washington’s push for access to India’s agricultural and dairy markets.
Modi emphasised safeguarding farmers and dairy workers, calling them non-negotiable priorities.
“I know I will have to pay a personal price for this, but I am ready for it,“ Modi stated in New Delhi.
India also maintains bans on genetically modified imports due to domestic concerns.
Dairy imports face resistance over cultural and religious sentiments tied to cows in Hindu-majority India.
The dispute contrasts with earlier optimism over US-India trade relations under Trump.
Trump previously praised Modi as a “tougher negotiator” during a Washington visit.
The US views India as a strategic counterbalance to China in South Asia.
Modi may visit China in late August, his first since 2018, according to unconfirmed reports. – AFP