PM Modi to meet China's Xi on August 31, Putin on September 1 at SCO Summit

Arvind Kejriwal slams PM Modi over cotton imports amid Trump tariff dispute

Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal has targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating the PM "has betrayed farmers." The criticism follows the government's decision to waive the 11% import duty on cotton, a move Kejriwal claims is succumbing to US pressure amid an ongoing tariff dispute. The government's action, which extends the duty waiver until 31st December 2025, is intended to help Indian textile manufacturers facing a 50% US tariff by reducing their raw material costs. However, Kejriwal argues this has backstabbed domestic cotton farmers. The concern is that cheaper imported cotton will flood the market as local harvests arrive in October and November, causing prices to crash and leading to significant losses for Indian farmers.