India First? Arvind Kejriwal Challenges PM Modi to Hit US Imports with a Staggering 75% Tariff

In a bold and direct challenge that has sent ripples through India's political landscape, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement a staggering 75% import tariff on goods from the United States. This audacious proposition, echoing the "America First" stance often championed by figures like Donald Trump, is presented by Kejriwal as a necessary "India First" move to safeguard the nation's economic interests and self-respect.

Kejriwal’s provocative statement comes on the heels of recent remarks from former US President Donald Trump, who hinted at the possibility of imposing a 75% tariff on Indian products if he were to return to power.

Seizing upon this, Kejriwal questioned the Modi government's resolve, asserting that if America can prioritize its own industries with such aggressive protectionism, India too must demonstrate similar courage and commitment to its domestic manufacturers and job creation.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor articulated his vision for an assertive trade policy, emphasizing that if India were to impose a 75% import duty on American goods, it would not only respond symmetrically to potential US protectionism but also significantly boost the 'Make in India' initiative.

He argued that such a measure would make foreign products prohibitively expensive, compelling consumers to opt for domestically manufactured alternatives, thereby stimulating local production and generating millions of jobs across the country.

This challenge is more than just an economic proposal; it's a potent political statement ahead of crucial elections.

Kejriwal framed his dare as a test of Prime Minister Modi's conviction and leadership on the global stage. "When Trump says 'America First,' our Prime Minister should have the courage to say 'India First'," Kejriwal stated, implying that the current government might be hesitant to take such a decisive stance against a major global power.

The debate ignited by Kejriwal's remarks goes to the heart of India's foreign trade policy and its relationship with economic sovereignty.

Proponents of such high tariffs argue they are essential for protecting nascent industries and fostering self-reliance, while critics often point to potential retaliatory measures and the complexities of international trade agreements. However, Kejriwal's latest move firmly places the ball in the government's court, demanding a clear stance on how India intends to protect its economic future in an increasingly protectionist global environment.

As the political discourse heats up, all eyes will be on the Modi government's response to this direct and powerful challenge.

Kejriwal's call for an "India First" tariff policy could redefine the narrative around India's trade strategy and its approach to global economic partnerships, potentially setting a new precedent for how nations defend their commercial interests in an evolving world order.