Kejriwal claimed the government had “surrendered” before US pressure, arguing that opening up the Indian market to American goods would jeopardise livelihoods of cotton farmers, traders and youth. He asked whether current negotiations were truly bilateral, or merely a process of yielding ground. “To please Trump, cotton farmers across the country have been put at stake,” he wrote on X, warning that the economy and dignity of India’s 1.4 billion people were under threat.
Modi’s remarks came after US President Donald Trump stated the two countries were “continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two Nations,” and that he anticipated further talks. In response, Modi described India and the United States as “close friends and natural partners,” expressing confidence that the trade discussions would enable unlocking of the “limitless potential” in the partnership, and said both governments’ teams aim to conclude discussions at the earliest.
Economic analysts observe that trade tensions have already escalated amid steep tariffs imposed by the US on Indian goods, including additional penalties related to India’s imports of Russian oil. Indian textile stocks, particularly cotton exporters, have reacted sensitively to policy shifts. Meanwhile, there is growing debate over whether any rollback of import protections, such as duties on US cotton, will undercut Indian farmers who depend on price stability and domestic procurement systems.