Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday repeated his vow to protect Indian farmers from competition with tariffs and trade barriers, even as President Donald Trump’s punishing retaliatory tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian goods threaten to take effect.

Indian officials insisted, despite reports to the contrary, that the trade battle would have no bearing on major arms purchases from the United States.

Modi made his remarks on trade during an address to the nation on India’s Independence Day. India declared its independence from Britain on August 15, 1947. He spoke from the Red Fort in New Delhi, a historic symbol of imperial achievement from before the time of British colonialism.

“Farmers, fishermen, cattle rearers are our top priorities. Modi will stand like a wa

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