India-USA: Trump’s ‘dadagiri’ will not work now, farmers also support Modi against US tariff

New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have started using the growing trade tensions with US President Donald Trump as a political weapon to strengthen the support of farmers. All this is happening before the important assembly elections in Bihar, where more than half the population depends on agriculture and related work.

A day after Trump imposed a 50% tariff on exports from India to the US, PM Modi told supporters that he would protect the interests of farmers, even if he has to pay a personal price for it. PM Modi’s top colleagues in the cabinet indicated that India is not ready to open the agricultural and dairy market under US pressure. On Tuesday, major farmer organizations met Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and assured the government of support.

Don’t give too many concessions to America

In recent weeks, Trump’s statements have turned Indian public sentiment against America and in support of Modi. The opposition and farmers’ organizations have warned the government not to give too many concessions to America. According to the Economic Times report, according to Shumita Deveshwar, chief economist of GlobalData TS Lombard, “India’s tone has changed. Farmers will not like America’s interference in the agricultural sector. It is important that India is not seen bowing down to any foreign power.”

Modi’s popularity increased

In the Bihar elections, the BJP is dependent on its allies. The farmers’ vote can play a decisive role here. According to the C-Voter survey, the number of people who were ‘extremely satisfied’ with Modi on August 1 was 46%, which is close to 45.8% on April 15. The Economic Times has reported that Yashwant Deshmukh, founder of C-Voter, says that the Trump-India dispute will only benefit Modi and there is no major change in the environment for the opposition.

National priorities are paramount

In 2021, the year-long agitation of farmers forced the Modi government to withdraw three controversial agricultural laws. Now Modi is trying to strengthen the rural vote bank by deciding not to allow American companies to enter the agriculture and dairy sector. Virendra Lohan of Chhattisgarh Youth Progressive Farmers Association said, “You have shown that the Indian farmer is not just a food provider, but the soul of this nation. No foreign power can control it.” BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli said, “National priorities are paramount and any kind of risk with farmers and agriculture is not acceptable.”

Boycott McDonald’s

The Swadeshi Jagran Manch has called for a boycott of American products and food chains (like McDonald’s). Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has said that the attempt to punish India is a result of discomfort with its growing global status. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Modi of being too close to Trump, while Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that not enough steps were taken to protect farmers from the impact of tariffs.

Citigroup Inc. estimates that a 50% tariff could reduce India’s annual economic growth rate by 0.8 percentage points. According to Ahmedabad University professor Nilanjan Sircar, “Trump’s attitude towards India is bullying and in such a situation people would like to stand with their leaders. But this benefit will last only as long as the economic damage is not too deep.”