New Delhi: Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said on Saturday that India will not compromise on its strategic or national interests and will continue to protect its energy security despite external pressures. This statement has come amid growing trade tension with the United States.Speaking at the Valdicator session of Ms. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference, Naidu said, “We will remain for the protection of energy security and we will be firm on our strategic and national interest. There is no question of any danger yield. There will be no question of any danger. The danger will not work on India …”Naidu underlined that India is committed to global cooperation directed by the principle of “share and care”, while India is self -sufficient.US President Donald Trump came to his comment after raising a tariff from 25 percent to 50 percent on Indian goods, calling India a “dead economy”, a comment Naidu rejected India’s strong growth.He said that India is growing rapidly and is getting recognized worldwide, while some countries are jealous of the development of the nation. The former vice president said, “They are not able to digest our growth. They are suffering from indigestion problem.”He said that India has moved from fourth to third in the global economic rankings and expressed confidence that with the contribution of farmers, researchers and youth, the country will definitely reach the heights “.Naidu quoted India as a “sovereign and lively democracy”, growing by 6.5–7 percent annually and contributed 18 percent to the global GDP growth, which is more than the US’s 11 percent stake.He also questioned the fairness of selective American tariffs on allies like India, while the US continues to import uranium and fertilizers from Russia and the European Union imports large amounts of Russian crude.“We were friends. We always praise America because they are the oldest democracy and we are the greatest democracy. We respect each other, we have praise, but what is happening, what is being said about India without any excitement is really unfortunate,” Naidu said.Despite stress, Naidu emphasized the desire to work with all countries in India which lies in Indian philosophy. He said, “No person has any reason about India or India.”
