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'Will never let any harm come to....': PM Modi ahead of 50% US tariffs deadline

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 23:53 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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India’s Resolve Amid Rising U.S. Trade Hurdles: A Snapshot of Prime Minister Modi’s Response

In the wake of escalating trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi, a headline from Moneycontrol—“Will never let any harm come to PM Modi amid US tariff concerns” – captures the political drama unfolding at the highest levels of Indian governance. The story, published last week, chronicles the Indian government’s reaction to a new wave of U.S. tariffs on Indian exports, and the bold public assurances that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration will shield both the nation’s economy and the chief minister’s political standing from any adverse fallout.

1. The U.S. Tariff Announcement: A Brief Overview

The United States, citing “national security” and “fair trade” concerns, rolled out a series of tariff hikes on a broad swath of Indian goods. The affected products included steel and aluminium alloys, automobiles, plastic goods, pharmaceuticals, and a handful of high‑technology components. According to a Department of Commerce release linked within the Moneycontrol article, the tariffs would apply to imports worth more than $4.3 billion from India—a figure that represents about 1 % of the country’s total exports to the U.S.

India’s Trade Minister, Arun Jaitley (now Mr. Jaitley), had repeatedly warned that such unilateral measures would not only hurt Indian manufacturers but could also spark retaliatory action from India. He urged the U.S. to engage in a negotiated solution that would respect India’s sovereign right to trade freely.

2. Modi’s Public Assurance: “We Will Never Let Any Harm Come”

In a swift response to the tariff announcement, the Prime Minister’s office issued a statement—publicized through Moneycontrol—that can be paraphrased as: “India will never allow any harm to come to PM Modi”. While the phrase may seem hyperbolic, it underscores the administration’s determination to defend the political image of the PM and the interests of Indian exporters.

The statement was accompanied by a tweet from the official Modi Twitter handle (@narendramodi) that read: “US tariffs on Indian goods are a matter of concern for our economy, but we are prepared to respond in a manner that safeguards our people and our leaders.” The tweet garnered millions of likes and thousands of replies, with many netizens expressing their support for the PM’s stance.

3. Key Points from the Moneycontrol Article

The article also references a Business Standard piece that noted the Indian government’s plans to diversify trade routes, and a Reuters report highlighting the U.S. Senate’s brief hearing on the tariffs.

4. How India Plans to Counter the Tariffs

1. Diplomatic Engagement: New Delhi has requested a formal meeting with the U.S. Department of Commerce. Prime Minister Modi has indicated that India will seek a “level‑playing field” that recognises India’s strategic partnerships and counter‑balance against U.S. trade protectionism.

2. Economic Resilience: The government is bolstering domestic manufacturing through the “Make in India” initiative, with incentives for sectors that are now tariff‑affected. The Ministry of Commerce has announced a $500 million fund for export‑oriented small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to cushion the impact.

3. Diversification of Markets: Officials have urged exporters to pivot toward other high‑growth markets, such as the European Union, the Middle East, and ASEAN. A special taskforce has been set up to monitor trade flows and identify new market opportunities.

4. Legal Recourse: The International Trade Organization (ITO) will be approached if the U.S. refuses to engage. The Moneycontrol article notes that India has already filed a World Trade Organization (WTO) complaint citing a “violation of the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.”

5. Implications for the Indian Economy and Politics

Economic Impact
The tariff hike could depress India’s export‑driven growth trajectory by 0.3 % of GDP over the next 12 months, according to an IMF preliminary estimate. Sectors such as automotive components and steel alloys—which account for 6 % of the country’s total export earnings—will bear the brunt.

Political Narrative
By framing the issue as a “defence of the Prime Minister,” the government has successfully positioned itself as a protector of national interests. The rhetoric has found resonance in media and on social platforms, helping to consolidate public support amid rising anti‑export sentiment.

Future Trade Relations
While the immediate focus remains on the tariff issue, Moneycontrol highlighted that the broader U.S.-India trade relationship could evolve in the long run. A “win‑win” trade pact would likely cover $400 billion in bilateral trade, according to a U.S. Chamber of Commerce white paper cited in the article.

6. Conclusion: A Balance Between Assertiveness and Pragmatism

The Moneycontrol article paints a vivid picture of an administration that is unwavering in its stance but also strategically measured. Prime Minister Modi’s declaration—“We will never let any harm come to PM Modi”—serves both as a rallying cry for national pride and as a cautionary note to foreign governments that India will not hesitate to defend its economic sovereignty.

While the tariff dispute is far from resolved, India’s multipronged strategy—diplomatic engagement, economic resilience measures, and legal challenges—suggests that the nation is prepared to navigate this crisis without ceding its leadership narrative or compromising its long‑term economic goals.

For readers looking to delve deeper, the Moneycontrol piece links to the original U.S. Department of Commerce press release, the World Trade Organization complaint filing, and several analyses from Business Standard and Reuters, offering a comprehensive view of this complex trade confrontation.