New Delhi/IBNS: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has called US President Donald Trump's imposition of 50 percent tariff on imports from India an "economic blackmail" and "an attempt to bully the country into an unfair trade deal".

"Trump’s 50% tariff is economic blackmail - an attempt to bully India into an unfair trade deal. PM Modi better not let his weakness override the interests of the Indian people," the Leader of Opposition, Lok Sabha, said in an X post.

'India will never compromise': Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said his country won't compromise and he is even "ready to pay heavy personal price" after Trump imposed tariffs on India over buying Russian oil.

"For us, the welfare of our farmers is the highest priority. India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers, and fisherfolk. I know I will have to pay a heavy personal price for this. But I am ready," Modi said.

"For the fisherfolk of my country, for the livestock rearers of my country — today, India is ready. We are continuously working towards increasing farmers’ income and creating new sources of livelihood," he added.

India calls Trump's 25 pct additional tariffs 'unfair, unjustified'

In a calm but strongly worded statement, New Delhi said the extra tariff was "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable" and declared that it would "take all actions necessary to protect national interests".

Within hours, the External Affairs Minister, in a statement, said the United States "has in recent days targeted India's oil imports from Russia".

"We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India. It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest".

"We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests," the statement added in no uncertain terms.