'I will stand like a wall...': PM Modi's big message amid tariff war with Trump

In his address to the nation on 79th Independence Day, Modi said, "I will stand like a wall against any policy that is detrimental to the interests of farmers, fisherfolk and livestock rearers."

"India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers, and fisherfolk," the Prime Minister, who was delivering the address from Red Fort, added.

Modi said this for the second time since the US' imposition of 50 percent tariff on imports from India.

The Trump administration, which was earlier viewed as India-friendly, has slapped a 25 percent tariff on the South Asian country for its high tariffs on American exports and the rest for purchasing oil from Russia which is fighting a war against Ukraine.

The White House, which has singled out India over Russian oil purchase, said the second 25 percent tariff will be effective from August 27, 2025.

India calls Trump's 25 pct additional tariffs 'unfair, unjustified'

In a calm but strongly worded statement, New Delhi said the extra tariff was "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable" and declared that it would "take all actions necessary to protect national interests".

Within hours, the Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, said the United States "has in recent days targeted India's oil imports from Russia".

"We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India. It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest".

"We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests," the statement added in no uncertain terms.