The Central Government of India has announced a waiver of customs duty on cotton imports for a five-month period starting June 1, 2026, through a notification from the Ministry of Finance. This exemption covers the entire basic customs duty and the Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess on cotton imports, remaining effective until October 31, 2026. The Finance Ministry stated that this initiative aims to enhance the availability of cotton for the domestic textile sector, which is one of India's largest manufacturing industries. The temporary duty exemption is expected to lower raw material costs across the textile value chain, providing relief to manufacturers and consumers while considering the interests of domestic farmers. The measure particularly supports small and medium enterprises that depend on stable cotton supplies, thus positively impacting the overall performance of the domestic textile industry. This decision was made under the powers conferred by the Customs Act, 1962, and the Finance Act, 2021, with the government asserting it is necessary for public interest.