Phagwara: Lovely Professional University (LPU), one of India’s largest private universities, has announced a ban on the sale of American products on its campus. The decision comes in response to the United States’ move to impose steep import tariffs on Indian goods.
Chancellor of LPU and Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal said that the university has decided to take a firm stand against U.S. policies that threaten Indian trade. “From now on, no American product will be sold inside the LPU campus. If Washington enforces the new tariff structure after August 27, we will extend the boycott to cover all U.S.-based companies,” Mittal declared.
The announcement follows the U.S. administration’s decision to impose tariffs of up to 50% on Indian imports, a move it claims will safeguard American industries. New Delhi, however, has argued that the measure violates World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and undermines bilateral trade relations.
Mittal revealed that he had earlier appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to reconsider the tariffs and resolve the dispute through negotiations rather than confrontation. “Since no heed was paid to our request, we are left with no choice but to respond firmly. Indians must unite to send a strong message,” he added.
Trade experts warn that the escalating tensions could spill over into sectors such as IT services, education, and investment, which form critical links in the U.S.–India economic partnership.
The LPU boycott marks one of the first institutional-level responses in India to the tariff escalation. Mittal said the step is aimed at encouraging self-reliance while sending a symbolic yet powerful message: “Until America withdraws its decision, the best way to protest is by refusing their products.”
