Kejriwal dares PM Modi to hit US with 75% tariff on imports
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Rajkot: Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to “show some courage” and impose a 75 per cent tariff on imports from the United States, in retaliation for Washington’s 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports.
Speaking at a press conference in Rajkot, Kejriwal criticised the Centre’s decision to exempt 11 per cent duty on cotton imports from the US until December 31, 2025, warning that it would harm Indian cotton farmers while enriching American producers. “It will make US farmers rich and Gujarat cultivators poor,” he said.
India currently maintains a temporary import duty exemption on raw cotton to support the domestic textile industry and reduce input costs.
Kejriwal demanded that the Prime Minister impose a 75 per cent tariff on US imports, fix a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 2,100 per 20 kg for cotton, and provide subsidies for fertilizers and seeds to aid Indian farmers. “We demand the PM to show courage; the whole country stands behind him. America imposed 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports—Modiji should impose 75 per cent tariff in return. Then see if Trump bows down,” he said.
The AAP leader also claimed that the US tariff has negatively affected diamond workers in India, accusing the Modi government of “falling on its knees” before President Donald Trump.
Last month, the Centre extended the import duty exemption on cotton until December 31, arguing that it would strengthen India’s position in export markets and revive orders for small and medium enterprises and export-oriented units.
Kejriwal noted that when Trump imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, Modi did not retaliate but instead reduced import duties on US cotton by 11 per cent. He questioned why the PM “bowed down” instead of taking a tougher stance. “The whole country supports Modiji. Trump imposed 50 per cent tariff; Modiji should have imposed 100 per cent tariff on cotton. Trump would have had to bow down. Trump is a coward, a timid person. Shut down four American companies and they will be in trouble,” he asserted.
Highlighting the impact on Indian farmers, Kejriwal said the removal of the 11 per cent duty would depress domestic cotton prices. “When cotton from the US arrives, farmers here will get less than Rs 900 per 20 kg. US farmers are being made rich, and Gujarat farmers are being made poor,” he said.
He added that the government had first removed the duty for 40 days (August 19 to September 30) and later extended it to December 31. “Now farmers have no way to sell their cotton. They have invested in seeds, fertilizers, and labour and taken loans. How will they repay these loans? Many may have no option but to commit suicide,” he claimed.
Kejriwal also questioned India’s “helplessness” in the face of American pressure, pointing out that other countries responded firmly to Trump’s tariffs and forced the US to roll them back, but India did not take similar action.
With PTI inputs
