Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took a swipe at the US administration amid ongoing tensions between Washington and New Delhi. The strain follows the US imposing a 50% tariff on India's exports in response to its close trade ties with Russia — a relationship the White House claims is helping fund Russia's war efforts in Ukraine.
"This is the time to script history. We have to rule the world market. We have to lower production costs. It is time to prove our mettle in global markets with quality products," the Indian Prime Minister said in his address to the nation on the occasion of the country's 79th Independence Day in New Delhi. "Economic selfishness is on the rise. Don't worry about the other county. It is time to move ahead and meet our goals."
PM Modi's remarks come amid an escalating row with the United States, especially over two key issues: India's relations with its long-time strategic partner, Russia, and opening up its agricultural and dairy sector for American firms.
However, the Indian leader has vowed to defend the interests of India's farmers at any cost. He emphasised that he's even willing to pay a personal price to safeguard their rights.
"Modi is standing like a wall against any harmful policy related to the farmers, fishermen and cattle rearers of India. India will never accept any compromise regarding its farmers, its livestock rearers, its fishermen," he stressed.