Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal held a press conference on Thursday. He said that the central government has betrayed Indian farmers by removing the 11% import duty on cotton imposed by America. Kejriwal said, ‘US President Donald Trump has imposed 50% tariff on Indian products. In response to this, India should have imposed 100% tariff on America. But PM Modi is making American goods tax free. This decision will force Indian farmers to commit suicide.’ Amidst Kejriwal’s allegations, the central government issued a press release and said that the period for making cotton coming from America tax free has been extended till December 31. According to the Finance Ministry, this step has been taken to meet the demand of the domestic textile industry. 5 big points of Kejriwal’s allegation, asked – why was this duty removed Kejriwal said – no country wants to be angry with India Kejriwal said, ‘America imposed 25% tariff on cars coming from the European Union. After this, the European Union imposed a 50% tariff on American bikes. When America imposed a 145% tariff on China, China also imposed a 125% tariff. Canada responded to the 35% tariff with a 25% tariff. ‘Trump had to bow down in front of those countries whose governments have stood up against Trump and responded bravely. Trump is a coward, a timid man. I don’t know what is the compulsion of PM Modi that he is like a wet cat.’ The former CM of Delhi said, ‘Our country is being hit from two sides. On one hand, Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on India. Due to this, our domestic industry is on the verge of closure. All their exports have stopped. On the other hand, PM Modi is ending the tariff on American goods. Due to this, all the goods of America will be sold in our market. Our farmers and traders will be ruined.’ Centre explained the reason for exemption on import duty According to the Centre, to increase the availability of cotton for the Indian textile industry, the Central Government had temporarily exempted import duty on cotton from 19 August to 30 September. To provide further support to exporters, the Central Government has decided to extend the import duty exemption on cotton from 30 September to 31 December. Also read these news related to the tariff dispute between India and America… 50% US tariff imposed on India: Exports worth ₹5.4 lakh crore affected; demand for jewellery and clothing may decrease by 70%, jobs also in danger A 50% tariff has come into effect from today, i.e. 27 August, on goods sent from India to America. According to the report of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), this new tariff may affect India’s exports worth around ₹5.4 lakh crore. Read the full news here… German newspaper claims – Modi did not pick up Trump’s call: Refused to talk four times, also stopped American delegation from coming to Delhi. American President Trump made four calls to Prime Minister Modi regarding the tariff, but PM Modi did not talk to him even once. This increased the tension between the two leaders. This claim has been made by German newspaper FAZ. Although the newspaper has not mentioned in its report as to when these calls were made. Read the full news here…
