PM Modi on Trump Tariffs: India’s Growth Continues Despite Economic Selfishness
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took what appeared to be a subtle dig at the Trump tariffs on India, saying the Indian economy continues to grow strongly despite challenges created by “economic selfishness” in the world. His remarks came days after former US President Donald Trump announced higher tariffs on Indian goods, citing America’s trade interests.
Trump Tariffs and Their Impact on India
Donald Trump, during his renewed campaign to “Make America Great Again,” imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports to the United States. The duties covered a range of goods, including manufactured products and raw materials, creating fresh concerns about the impact on bilateral trade.
Earlier, Trump had introduced a 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports, later adding another 25 per cent penalty over India’s decision to continue buying Russian oil. Together, these measures reflect a hard-line protectionist approach that India has described as “unjustified.”
PM Modi’s Response at Semicon India 2025
Speaking at the Semicon India 2025 conference in Delhi, Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s resilience. He noted that despite global uncertainty and tariff barriers, India posted a 7.8% GDP growth rate in the April–June quarter of 2025—the highest in five quarters.
Modi said, “Once again, India has performed better than every expectation, every assessment. At a time when there are concerns in the economy of the world, there are challenges created by economic selfishness; in that environment, India has achieved growth of 7.8 per cent.”
He also stressed that the world “trusts and believes in India” and is ready to collaborate on next-generation technologies such as semiconductors.
India’s Economic Growth Story
India’s economy has consistently outpaced global peers despite headwinds. The GDP growth of 7.8% year-on-year in Q1 FY2025 exceeded analyst expectations and marked a sharp rise from 7.4% in the previous quarter.
This resilience comes at a time when global economies are struggling with inflation, geopolitical conflicts, and trade barriers. The Trump tariffs on India have been seen as a potential obstacle, but India’s domestic growth drivers—such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and digital innovation—have kept momentum strong.
The Semiconductor Push
The Semicon India 2025 event, where Modi made his remarks, highlighted India’s ambition to become a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing. The Prime Minister was presented with the first made-in-India chips, symbolizing the country’s growing capabilities in high-tech industries.
By inviting global companies to invest in India’s semiconductor ecosystem, Modi positioned the country as a trusted partner amid shifting global supply chains. He said that the world sees India not only as a large market but also as a reliable destination for technology-driven growth.
India’s Stand on Tariffs
India has maintained that the tariffs imposed by the US are protectionist and unjustified. Officials argue that such measures disrupt trade flows and undermine global economic stability.
Despite these hurdles, India continues to strengthen its export sector, diversify its trading partners, and expand domestic manufacturing under the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives.
Global Context of Protectionism
The imposition of tariffs is part of a broader global trend where nations are prioritizing domestic industries over free trade. Analysts describe this as a phase of “economic selfishness”, where protectionist policies could harm developing economies.
India, however, has shown resilience by focusing on self-reliance, infrastructure growth, and digital transformation. Economists believe that this inward strength will allow India to weather tariff-related disruptions better than many emerging economies.
Future Outlook
While the Trump tariffs on India may create temporary trade pressures, experts suggest the long-term impact may be limited if India successfully boosts domestic production and diversifies export markets.
India’s continued GDP growth, combined with its push into technology sectors like semiconductors, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure, suggests a strong foundation for future expansion.
Final Thoughts
Prime Minister Modi’s comments underline India’s confidence in its economic path. Despite protectionist measures such as the Trump tariffs on India, the country continues to demonstrate strong growth and resilience.
By investing in innovation, expanding manufacturing, and building global trust, India is showing that external barriers cannot stop its progress. As Modi emphasized, India’s growth story remains not just intact but accelerating—proving that resilience and self-reliance can triumph over global economic challenges.
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