In a surprising move, India and America announced a new trade deal. President Donald Trump stated that U.S. tariffs on Indian goods will be reduced from 50% to 18%. It was also claimed that India will cease purchasing oil from Russia and increase imports of American goods. This trade agreement has sparked a flurry of political commentary.
The BJP hails the trade deal as a diplomatic victory for the Modi government and a strengthening of the nation's economy, while opposition parties, including Congress, are questioning it. Congress, along with other opposition parties, is vigorously targeting the Modi government regarding the trade deal.
Akhilesh Calls the Deal Anti-Farmer
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav criticized the Modi government's trade agreement with the U.S., calling it a betrayal to 70% of the population dependent on agriculture. He claimed it opens Indian agricultural markets to American products, potentially inflating prices of essential commodities and creating a new class of middlemen and profiteers.
Akhilesh Yadav alleged that as a result of this trade agreement, farmers' incomes will dwindll, leading them to sell their lands to big corporations under debt pressure. He also accused the BJP of functioning as agents for foreign powers, making this deal part of that agenda.
Congress Raises Serious Questions
Congress expressed serious concerns about the deal, stating that opening sensitive sectors like agriculture to foreign companies is no small matter. They demanded that the entire draft of the deal be made public to reveal the conditions agreed upon behind the scenes. Congress leaders like Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Manish Tewari have challenged the trade agreement.
Congress leader Manish Tewari shared Trump's truth post on X, stating, "No more Russian oil purchases. No tariffs on U.S. exports. 18% tariff on India's exports. India will import $500 billion worth of energy, technology, agriculture products, and coal from the U.S. Where is India's strategic autonomy?
Praising the Trade Deal is Treason
Congress social media chief Supriya Shrinet asserted that only those who do not understand can celebrate the India-U.S. trade deal. She claimed it's so one-sided that praising it is akin to treason. Surprisingly, some BJP representatives were praising it. It's no wonder—foolish traitors aplenty!
Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal declared that the India-U.S. trade deal is a full surrender. According to Donald Trump, India will lower tariffs to 0% whereas the U.S. will impose an 18% tariff on Indian products. It seems the U.S. now dictates from whom we can buy oil, coercing India to alter its entire energy dependency.
He mentioned India's major concern is safeguarding its agriculture, and if the Trump administration's claims are true, the entire Indian market will soon be inundated with American agricultural products. Over half of India relies on agriculture—making this a death sentence for poor farmers facing the giant American agricultural industry. The deal was struck with no transparency, leaving the public in the dark about its details. Venugopal also emphasized that the trade deal's specifics should be publicly disclosed to reveal the compromises made.
Shashi Tharoor's Inquiry
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor sought transparency and clarity from the government regarding the tariff agreement. He stated that if the agreement truly benefits the nation, the opposition would welcome it, but so far, only statements and social media posts have surfaced, lacking substantial details. Tharoor remarked, "We only need clarity. If it truly is good news, we would celebrate it too. But currently, we only have the Prime Minister's tweet and President Trump's tweet. Is that sufficient in a parliamentary democracy?"
Congress Poses Five Questions to the Government
Congress wrote on X that, like a ceasefire, the trade deal's announcement was made by Donald Trump. It's stated that the trade deal is being done at 'Modi's request'.
Trump claims India will reduce its tariffs and non-tariff barriers to 0%. This means you've opened the entire market to America, causing immense damage to Indian industry. You have abandoned local traders and farmers.
2. Regarding opening the agricultural sector to America, what deal was made? Have our farmers' interests been considered, or have they been abandoned as well? How will we ensure our farmers' protection?
3. It's also mentioned that Modi will not purchase oil from Russia but from America and Venezuela. Did the Modi government agree to abandon Russia in this trade deal?
4. There's mention of purchasing more items from America. If that's true, what happened to 'Make in India'?
5. What was discussed in the trade deal, what was decided, the nation has a right to know.
Congress demands the government disclose all information to both the nation and the parliament.
Opposition is Completely Frustrated—JP Nadda
Former BJP President and Union Minister JP Nadda praised PM Modi for the India-U.S. trade deal. He asserted that the opposition is frustrated. On behalf of the government, he assured that a statement on the trade deal will be issued, and an appropriate minister will provide full details. The government is ready to make a statement and is fully prepared for a discussion.
JP Nadda exclaimed that Congress only sees flaws in good work. He noted that when Trump imposed tariffs, the opposition questioned the government's actions. Now that Trump reduced the tariffs, the opposition still has issues. The government stands ready for discussion on every issue, as Nadda slammed the opposition, asserting they have no interest in development or trade—only in politics.
The Union Minister remarked that the opposition initially raised concerns over tariffs at 50%, demanding a government response; now that the U.S. reduced it to 18%, the answer has been provided. Despite this, they continue to raise questions. The government is ready to discuss every issue with them, yet they remain indifferent to national concerns. The opposition lacks genuine issues.
