Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal ignited a political firestorm on Sunday, daring Prime Minister Narendra Modi to “show some courage” and slap a 75% tariff on US imports in retaliation for America’s 50% tariff on Indian goods. Speaking at a press conference in Rajkot, Gujarat, Kejriwal accused the Modi government of betraying Indian farmers by exempting an 11% import duty on US cotton until December 31, 2025, a move he claims enriches American farmers while impoverishing those in Gujarat and beyond.

Kejriwal, addressing a rain-disrupted ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ in Chotila, Surendranagar, lambasted the Centre’s decision to waive the cotton import duty, arguing it will flood Indian markets with cheaper US cotton, leaving local farmers unable to sell their produce. “When US cotton arrives, our farmers will get less than Rs 900 per 20 kg. American farmers are being made rich, while Gujarat’s cultivators are pushed into poverty,” he charged, warning that farmers, burdened by loans for seeds, fertilizers, and labor, may face financial ruin or worse. “With no way to sell their cotton, farmers will be left with no option but suicide,” Kejriwal claimed, accusing the government of succumbing to US pressure.

The AAP chief demanded immediate reinstatement of the 11% cotton import duty, a Minimum Support Price of Rs 2,100 per 20 kg for cotton, and subsidies on fertilizers and seeds to support Indian farmers. He also criticized Modi for not retaliating against the US’s 50% tariff, imposed in two phases citing India’s purchase of Russian oil. “When Trump imposed 50% tariffs, Modi didn’t increase duties but reduced them by 11%. Why did the PM bow down?” Kejriwal questioned, asserting that India, as the world’s largest market, holds significant leverage. “The whole country stands behind Modiji. He should impose a 100% tariff on US cotton. Trump is a coward—he’s bowed to countries that stood firm.”

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Kejriwal further alleged that the tariff disparity has harmed not just farmers but also diamond workers, claiming Modi’s government has “fallen on its knees” before US President Donald Trump. He pointed out that other nations forced Trump to roll back tariffs by responding aggressively, while India’s inaction has left its industries vulnerable. The Centre, however, defends the duty exemption, stating it supports the textile industry by lowering input costs and reviving orders for small and medium enterprises amid the US tariff squeeze.

The controversy has intensified the debate over India’s trade strategy, with Kejriwal positioning himself as a champion of farmers and workers ahead of key elections. His provocative remarks, including calling Trump “timid” and suggesting India could cripple the US by targeting its companies, underscore the growing tension in US-India trade relations. As farmers brace for a challenging harvest season, Kejriwal’s call for bold action puts pressure on Modi to reconsider India’s stance in this escalating tariff war.

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