Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort, declared that India would never compromise on safeguarding the interests of its farmers, livestock keepers, and fishermen — even as trade tensions with the United States continue to escalate.
“India’s farmers, her livestock rearers, and her fishermen are our priority. Modi deewar bankar khada hai (I stand like a wall) to protect their interests,” Modi said, underscoring his government’s stance at a time when Washington is pressing New Delhi for greater market access in agriculture and dairy as part of ongoing trade negotiations.
The remarks come days after the US increased tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, a move that has put pressure on bilateral trade ties. Although Modi refrained from directly naming the US or President Donald Trump, his comments appeared to send a clear message that India would resist any concessions that might hurt domestic farmers.
Talks between the two countries have already stalled after five rounds of negotiations. On the eve of Independence Day, India’s foreign ministry had reiterated that future ties with the US should be guided by “mutual respect and shared interests.”
Farmers at the Core of India’s Growth
Reflecting on India’s journey since independence, Modi said ensuring food security had once been a daunting challenge, but the resilience of Indian farmers turned the country into a self-sufficient nation. “Dependence on others is a recipe for disaster. We must be self-reliant to protect our interests,” he said, linking the message to his government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The Prime Minister also touched upon the Indus Waters Treaty, which remains suspended following the Pahalgam attack. He argued that the agreement was neither in India’s interests nor in those of its farmers, noting that “water from the Indus system has irrigated enemy lands while our own farmers suffered.”
New Push for Rural Development
Modi highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at boosting the rural economy, including the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, which targets around 100 districts needing additional agricultural support. He also pointed to schemes such as the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, irrigation projects, rainwater harvesting, and the supply of high-quality seeds as measures that have enhanced farmers’ confidence.
Praising farmers’ achievements, Modi said India now ranks second globally in the production of wheat, rice, fruits, and vegetables. Agro-exports, he noted, had crossed ₹4 lakh crore, demonstrating the growing reach of Indian produce in international markets.
“The farmers of India are the backbone of our economy. Their hard work has broken records in grain production and continues to drive our progress,” he added.