TradeDeal – Congress Flags Concerns Over India–US Agreement Impact on Farmers
TradeDeal – Congress General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday questioned the Centre’s handling of a recently announced trade understanding with the United States, alleging that the agreement could undermine the interests of Indian farmers. Her remarks add to a growing political debate over the transparency and long-term consequences of India’s trade engagements.
Concerns Raised Over Benefits to American Farmers
In a message shared on social media, Priyanka Gandhi referred to statements made by the US leadership suggesting that the deal would open the Indian market to American agricultural products. According to her, the public messaging from the United States indicates that the agreement is designed to boost income for rural communities in America by expanding access to India’s large consumer base.
She argued that such claims raise serious questions about whether adequate safeguards have been put in place for India’s farming sector. With millions of livelihoods dependent on agriculture, she said, the government must explain how domestic producers will be protected if foreign goods enter the market on favourable terms.
Questions Over Market Access and Competition
The Congress leader pressed the Centre to clarify whether the agreement involves a full opening of India’s agricultural market to the United States. She asked whether Indian farmers would be forced to compete directly with large American agribusiness firms and whether any compromises were made that could weaken the bargaining position of local producers.
Priyanka Gandhi called for immediate disclosure of the agreement’s conditions, saying uncertainty around trade terms creates anxiety among farmers already dealing with rising input costs and unpredictable weather. She maintained that the public deserves clear answers before irreversible policy decisions are implemented.
Rahul Gandhi’s Criticism Shared Online
Alongside her own remarks, Priyanka Gandhi circulated a video clip of Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, in which he criticises the Prime Minister’s approach to the trade negotiations. In the video, Rahul Gandhi is seen accusing the country’s leadership of avoiding responsibility by allowing others to take key decisions related to the agreement.
He states that national leadership requires clear direction and accountability, particularly on matters that affect economic policy and livelihoods. According to him, deferring such decisions undermines public confidence and weakens democratic oversight.
Jairam Ramesh Questions Fairness of the Deal
Former Union Minister and Congress communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh also expressed doubts about the nature of the agreement. He suggested that the terms appear to have been shaped largely by US demands, pointing out that the announcement itself came from the American side.
Ramesh drew attention to claims that the deal was finalised at India’s request, a narrative he said warrants scrutiny. He compared the situation to previous international announcements, arguing that India’s interests should not be framed or presented by foreign governments without detailed domestic explanation.
Fears of Tariff Reductions and Wider Impact
In further comments, Ramesh highlighted statements indicating that India may reduce both tariff and non-tariff barriers for US products to very low levels. He warned that such moves could have far-reaching consequences, not only for farmers but also for domestic industries and small traders who rely on protected markets to remain competitive.
He also questioned references to opening the agriculture sector as part of the agreement, asking what mechanisms, if any, have been built in to secure farmers’ incomes and market stability. Without clarity, he said, the deal risks creating long-term vulnerabilities.
Call for Parliamentary Transparency
Senior Congress leaders collectively demanded that the government place full details of the trade agreement before Parliament. They stressed that major economic decisions should be debated openly, allowing elected representatives and the public to understand both the benefits and potential risks.
According to Ramesh, taking Parliament and the nation into confidence is essential to maintaining trust and ensuring that India’s trade policies align with the broader national interest, particularly when the livelihoods of millions are at stake.