“If India Opens Its Third Eye, Bullies Won’t Survive”: Shivraj Singh Chouhan Warns Amid Trump’s 50% Tariff Blow

Gwalior: As the United States enforced a steep 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports beginning Wednesday, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan issued a fiery warning, declaring that India will never compromise on its farmers’ interests. Speaking at the 64th All India Wheat and Barley Research Workers Meet in Gwalior, Chouhan invoked a powerful metaphor, saying, “If we open our third eye, those who try to bully us will not be able to stand anywhere.”

Chouhan stressed that farmers remain the backbone of the nation and vowed that the government’s policies will always safeguard their interests. Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, he said, “As a farmer, my conscience tells me that the Prime Minister has made it clear that no matter how powerful anyone in the world may be, we will never bow down when it comes to protecting our farmers.”

Urging citizens to embrace swadeshi and strengthen indigenous industries, the minister appealed for a collective economic resolve. “Let us pledge to use products made in our own country. If anyone tries to dominate us, we will answer with strength. Once we open our third eye, no one who attempts to intimidate us will survive,” he remarked, adding that economic nationalism was the need of the hour.

Highlighting India’s growing global stature, Chouhan pointed out that the country now speaks confidently on international platforms. “India believes in the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — the world is one family. We wish well for all, but that does not mean we will allow ourselves to be suppressed,” he said.

Recalling India’s humanitarian outreach during the COVID-19 crisis, Chouhan reminded that India supplied vaccines to over 100 countries, showcasing its spirit of shared prosperity. At the same time, he underlined the importance of strength, noting, “We have overtaken those who once ruled us, and the day is not far when India will become the world’s largest economy and the strongest market.”

The remarks come at a tense moment in Indo-US relations after President Donald Trump doubled duties on Indian goods, raising tariffs to 50 per cent as a penalty for New Delhi’s purchase of Russian crude oil and military hardware. The move has put nearly USD 48 billion worth of Indian exports at risk.