India, Aug. 11 -- When global powers turn up the heat, few leaders have the courage to stand up to it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown unflinching resolve by refusing to yield to pressure from the Donald Trump administration over trade and tariff demands. The message is clear: Indian farmers' interests are non-negotiable.

The recent US decision to impose steep 50% tariffs on Indian exports, citing India's continued oil trade with Russia, has put stress on the US-India trade relationship. Despite diplomatic pressure, Modi declared he would not compromise on agricultural policies that protect Indian farmers. Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary Conference on August 7, he said: "The welfare of farmers, livestock rearers and fishe...