Industries, social bodies call for boycott of US goods

Several industrial and social organisations in Phagwara have strongly condemned US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 50 per cent tariff on Indian products, labelling it hostile and detrimental to India’s economy.

Representatives from Rotary Club James, Laghu Udyog Bharti, Bharat Vikas Parishad, Indian Medical Association (IMA), and other local groups have urged citizens to boycott American goods and give priority to indigenous products.

Ashok Gupta, former state president of Laghu Udyog Bharti and I.P. Khurana, president of the local unit, termed the US move as “vindictive” and warned that Indian trade could suffer serious repercussions if the policy is not rolled back.

C.A. Rakesh Chawla, president of Rotary Club James, said that if the policy continues, the club will withhold all annual contributions to Rotary International, which is headquartered in the US. He appealed to other Rotary clubs to take a similar stand in protest.