Kejriwal Urges Modi to Impose 75% Tariff on US Imports in Retaliation to Trade Policies

Rajkot: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a strong stand against the United States by imposing a 75% tariff on American imports to India. This, he said, would be a fitting response to the US decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian exports.

Speaking at a press conference in Rajkot, Kejriwal sharply criticized the central government’s move to exempt 11% import duty on cotton coming from the US until December 31, 2025. He argued that the decision will benefit American farmers at the expense of Indian cotton growers, particularly in Gujarat.

“American farmers will become richer, while our farmers will struggle to survive,” Kejriwal said. “We demand that the Prime Minister show courage. The entire country is behind you. Impose a 75% tariff on American goods. Let’s see if Trump doesn’t back down.”

India had initially waived the 11% duty on raw cotton from August 19 to September 30 to support domestic textile units by lowering input costs. The exemption has now been extended till the end of the year.

Kejriwal argued that instead of retaliating to the US tariffs, the Indian government made concessions, which he claimed would worsen the situation for Indian farmers during the upcoming cotton harvest season in October-November.

“When American cotton floods our markets, Indian farmers may not even get Rs 900 for 20 kg,” he warned. “They’ve already invested in seeds, fertilizers, and labor. With no proper support or market price, many farmers may fall into debt—and worse, consider suicide.”

He urged the government to restore the 11% duty on US cotton, ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton at ₹2,100 per 20 kg, and offer subsidies on fertilizers and seeds.

Kejriwal accused the Modi government of yielding to pressure from former US President Donald Trump, unlike other countries that responded to US tariffs with strong countermeasures. He also claimed that Indian diamond workers had been affected by the US tariff hike due to the government’s inaction.

“India is one of the biggest markets in the world. If we stand firm, even the US will have to reconsider,” Kejriwal added. “Just shut down four major American companies operating in India and they will feel the impact.”

Kejriwal was in Gujarat to attend the ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ in Surendranagar district, which was postponed due to heavy rains.

Source: PTI