NEW DELHI, Aug. 8 -- In a subtle message directed at US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, fishermen, and dairy sector, and declared he was prepared to bear a significant personal cost if necessary.

The statement came a day after Trump ratcheted up tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, even as the two nations discuss a bilateral trade deal. The trade deal has been stuck over the US demand for greater access to India's agricultural and dairy market.

The US wants reduced tariffs on products like corn, soybeans, apples, almonds, and ethanol, as well as increased access for US dairy products. New Delhi is, however, resisting these demands ...