Kejriwal Demands 100% Tariffs on US Imports

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal ignited a political firestorm on Thursday, urging India to slap 100% tariffs on US imports in retaliation for the United States’ recent imposition of 50% duties on Indian goods. Speaking at a press conference, Kejriwal accused the BJP-led Central government of jeopardizing Indian farmers by waiving an 11% duty on US cotton imports, a move he claimed would devastate local agricultural communities.

Kejriwal argued that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision undermines India’s economic interests, particularly for farmers, and called for a bold response. “Other countries stood firm and imposed higher tariffs. We must double the US tariffs to 100%. India, with 140 crore people, cannot be bullied,” he declared, asserting that the nation would rally behind such a move. The Central government has not yet responded to these allegations.

The call comes amid escalating trade tensions, with the US imposing a 25% tariff on Indian goods on August 1, followed by an additional 25% due to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, totaling 50%—among the highest globally. Kejriwal’s demand for retaliatory tariffs aligns with sentiments from Indian exporters, who face losses in sectors like textiles, gems, and agriculture, with an estimated $48.2 billion in exports at risk.

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Kejriwal emphasized India’s economic clout, urging the government to protect farmers and small businesses, echoing Prime Minister Modi’s own stance on safeguarding national interests. As trade talks with the US remain stalled, Kejriwal’s provocative stance could fuel debates over India’s response to global economic pressures, with potential implications for bilateral relations and domestic markets.

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