US tariffs row: Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan says India won’t compromise on farmers’ interests; cites subsidies & GM seeds as unfair edge

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said India resisted external pressure to allow agricultural imports in order to safeguard the interests of its farmers, amid the recent hike in US tariffs on Indian goods.

“The world (read US) said you agree with us. They wanted us to open our doors for their agricultural produce. They farm on hectares of land with GM seeds and get subsidies. Our small farmers couldn't have withstood the competition,” Chouhan said while addressing the 12th convocation of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), reported PTI.

He stressed that no agreement would be signed against the national interest. “They (the US) thought we would be scared. But this is today’s Bharat, which is brimming with confidence,” he added.

According to PTI, ties between New Delhi and Washington have soured after US President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, including 25 per cent additional duties, in response to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil.

Chouhan said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had appealed to 144 crore citizens to use indigenous products, which would create jobs and strengthen the domestic economy. He criticised the mentality of “praising imported goods” and highlighted India’s capabilities.

“India has immense talent and a strong workforce. The country had a Pushpak aerial vehicle, which is mentioned in the Ramayana,” he said.



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