Kejriwal’s Call for a Strong Retaliation
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, urging him to impose a 75 per cent tariff on imports from the United States in response to Washington’s steep 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports. Speaking at a press conference in Rajkot, the former Delhi chief minister accused the Centre of “falling on its knees” before President Donald Trump and failing to safeguard the interests of Indian farmers and workers.
Kejriwal declared that India, being one of the world’s largest markets, has the strength to counter America’s trade policies if the government “shows courage.” He added that other countries retaliated strongly to US tariffs and compelled Washington to roll them back, but India has remained passive.
Cotton Duty Removal Sparks Row
The flashpoint of Kejriwal’s criticism was the Centre’s decision to extend the exemption of 11 per cent import duty on US cotton until December 31, 2025. Initially introduced for 40 days between August 19 and September 30, the exemption has now been extended.
According to Kejriwal, this move will devastate Indian cotton farmers who have already invested heavily in seeds, fertilizers, and labour. “When cotton from the US arrives, our farmers will get less than Rs 900 in the market, while the cost of production is much higher. Their produce will remain unsold, forcing them into debt and despair,” he warned.
The AAP leader accused the government of deliberately sacrificing the interests of Indian farmers under foreign pressure. He alleged that the decision amounted to pushing farmers towards suicides.
Farmers’ Concerns Over Market Collapse
Kejriwal highlighted that India’s cotton farmers are already struggling with high input costs, mounting debts, and fluctuating market prices. The removal of duty on US cotton, he argued, will worsen the crisis by flooding the Indian market with cheaper imports.
He demanded the government immediately reinstate the 11 per cent duty on cotton imports, announce a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 2,100 per 20 kg, and ensure government procurement of cotton to stabilize prices. He also called for subsidies on fertilizers and seeds to ease farmers’ financial burden.
Diamond Workers Also Impacted
Kejriwal did not limit his criticism to farmers alone. He pointed out that India’s diamond polishing industry, particularly in Gujarat, is also feeling the heat of the 50 per cent US tariff on Indian exports. With America being the largest export destination for Indian textiles, apparel, and diamond products, the steep tariffs have disrupted orders, jeopardizing thousands of jobs.
“The Modi government’s weakness before Trump has hurt not only farmers but also workers in our diamond industry. Entire families dependent on these sectors are suffering,” he asserted.
“India Must Show Strength, Not Weakness”
In his fiery remarks, Kejriwal accused Modi of “bowing down” to Trump instead of protecting national interests. “If the US imposes 50 per cent tariff, India should respond with 75 per cent tariff. The whole country is behind Modiji on this. Shut down four American companies here and they will come under pressure,” he said.
Kejriwal claimed that Trump had been forced to back down when other countries resisted his tariff policies, but India’s silence signaled weakness. “Trump is a coward. He had to bow down before nations that retaliated. Why is India helpless before him?” Kejriwal asked.
Centre’s Position on Duty Exemption
The Modi government, however, has defended its decision. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry recently stated that the duty exemption on cotton will strengthen India’s position in the global textile export market. According to officials, the move is expected to revive orders for small and medium enterprises and boost export-oriented units.
While the Centre projects the exemption as a measure to help exporters, Kejriwal argues that the policy disproportionately benefits US farmers at the cost of Indian producers.
Political Battle Ahead
Kejriwal’s attack comes amid his outreach to farmers through the ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district, though the event was adjourned due to heavy rains. With Gujarat being a major cotton-producing state, the issue has the potential to gain political traction ahead of upcoming elections.
By framing the tariff dispute as a struggle between American interests and Indian farmers, Kejriwal aims to position himself as a defender of agricultural communities against what he calls the government’s submissive trade policies.
Conclusion
The escalating trade tensions between India and the US, coupled with domestic discontent over farm distress, have provided fertile ground for political attacks. While the Modi government insists its tariff decisions are aimed at boosting exports, opposition leaders like Kejriwal argue that the policies betray farmers’ interests. The demand for stronger retaliation against US tariffs is likely to intensify, keeping trade and agriculture at the center of India’s political debate.
