Srinagar, Aug. 13 -- For the first time, farmers here are demanding that Delhi strike back, calling for steep import taxes on American fruit.

Earlier this year, Trump's tariffs on Indian steel, aluminum, and other goods rattled multiple sectors, sparking calls from domestic industries for retaliation.

Now, Kashmir's apple growers are among the first organized voices pressing the government to respond, warning that cheap U.S. apples threaten their livelihoods.

On Wednesday morning, dozens of Kulgam farmers gathered under the Jammu & Kashmir Apple Farmers Federation, waving placards and calling for a 100% import tax on U.S. apples.

"We have been struggling for years," said Ghulam Rasool, a third-generation orchardist from Kulgam. "Cheap...