On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave an inherent message to US President Donald Trump, saying that his government will not allow the interests of small entrepreneurs, farmers and livestock at any cost.
Without naming America, which has imposed a 50% fee on India, the Prime Minister pointed to politics inspired by economic selfishness in the world.
Modi said, “Today you are watching politics inspired by financial selfish interest in the world. From this land of Ahmedabad, I want to say to small entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, farmers and cattle ranchers – your interest for Modi is paramount. My government will not let your interests be harmed at any cost. No matter how much pressure comes, we will continue to increase our strength.”
Trump has imposed additional punitive fees on India on 50% tariff and purchase of Russian oil. India has described this announcement of Trump as “unfair, unjust and impractical”.
On August 7 this month, in another event, the Prime Minister said that he is ready to “pay heavy prices”, but will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. He said, “The interests of farmers for us are paramount. India will never compromise the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know that I will have to pay a heavy price personally, but I am ready. Today India is committed to farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers.”
Amidst the US criticism of Russia by the US, two top officials of India – National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S.K. Jaishankar – Recently reached Moscow and strengthened bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have interacted twice a month on the phone.
During a press conference in Moscow, Jaishankar said that the US had asked India to buy Russian oil to keep the world’s energy market stable. He also revealed that the European Union is the largest buyer of Russian gas. Jaishankar said, “After 2022, the biggest trade boom with Russia is not from India, but from some countries of the South. The US itself told us that we should buy Russian oil to stabilize the world’s energy market. By the way we also buy oil from America and that quantity has increased continuously.”
