New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday called for a 100% tariff on American goods in retaliation against the United States’ decision to impose 50% tariffs on Indian exports. Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of failing to stand up to US President Donald Trump.
“If Trump has imposed a 50% tariff, we should impose a 100% tariff on America,” Kejriwal said. He alleged that Modi was acting under pressure from Washington, while Trump had bowed before countries that strongly resisted him. “I don’t know what compulsions PM Modi has that he is not saying anything,” he added.
The AAP leader also strongly opposed the Centre’s decision to remove the 11% import duty on American cotton, warning that it would devastate Indian farmers. The temporary exemption, first announced from August 19 to September 30, has now been extended until December 31 to ensure adequate supply for the domestic textile industry. According to the Finance Ministry, the step aims to support exporters and the textile sector.
Kejriwal, however, described the move as a “betrayal of farmers,” claiming that cheaper American cotton would force Indian farmers to sell their produce at lower prices. He alleged that 90–95% of farmers remain unaware of the decision and could face severe economic distress once it takes effect.
“We demand that this order withdrawing the 11% import duty on cotton be revoked immediately and the duty re-imposed to save farmers,” Kejriwal said.
The government maintains that the duty exemption is essential to stabilise the textile industry, but opposition leaders continue to accuse the Centre of acting under US pressure at the cost of domestic agriculture.
