‘More the pressure on us, stronger we will emerge’: Rajnath Singh's veiled message to Trump

Rajnath Singh

Underlining the importance New Delhi attaches to Indian interests, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday reiterated New Delhi's firm commitment to safeguard the interests of farmers, traders and small businesses.

Speaking at NDTV Defence Summit 2025, Singh said India will remain steadfast and the country will continue to emerge stronger “despite any global pressure". His remarks assume special significance against the backdrop of Donald Trump's unrelenting tariff measures on India.

US tariffs on Indian goods have risen to as much as 50 per cent, raising concerns that the steep tax on Indian exports to the US will hit sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, and mechanical appliances.

“India does not consider anyone its enemy. But for us, the interest of our people, our farmers, our small traders is paramount. We cannot compromise on our country’s welfare at any cost. No matter how much pressure is exerted, India will continue to give the highest priority to the interests of its farmers, small businessmen, shopkeepers, livestock keepers, and common citizens," Rajnath said while addressing the NDTV Defence Summit 2025.

“We all study in geography that the more pressure is applied, the stronger the rock becomes. I feel that the more pressure is put on India, the more it will emerge as a strong rock," the Defence Minister added.

Earlier on Monday, PM Modi sent out a veiled message to Trump at a rally in Ahmedabad that India will not succumb to any pressure and will boost its strength to deal with it.

“All of you are witnessing the kind of politics driven by economic self-interest that is happening in the world today. From this land of Ahmedabad, I would like to say to my small entrepreneurs, to the shopkeepers, to the farmers and cattle rearers. For Modi, your interest is paramount. My government will not allow any harm to come to small entrepreneurs, to farmers, or to cattle rearers. No matter how much pressure comes, we will keep increasing our strength to withstand," PM Modi said during the event.

The Union government is in mission mode to mitigate tariff pains. From measures to stimulate domestic demand by proposing GST rate cuts to looking for ways to diversify export markets, the Centre has taken several measures to counter Trump's tariffs.