TradeDeal – Congress Questions Transparency of Announced India–US Trade Agreement
TradeDeal – The Congress on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Union government over the recently announced India–United States trade agreement, arguing that the deal was made public without sharing any concrete details. The opposition party claimed that despite repeated statements from both sides, the government has yet to explain the full scope of the agreement, even as early indications suggest that India has agreed to ease restrictions on certain agricultural imports.
Opposition Flags Absence of Official Details
Senior Congress leader and party communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh said more than a day had passed since the announcement, but there was still no official documentation available. He pointed out that although US President Donald Trump stated that the trade agreement had already been finalised and implemented at India’s request, the Indian government had not released any joint statement outlining the terms.
Ramesh argued that public relations efforts were attempting to shape the narrative, while the actual contents of the agreement remained undisclosed. According to him, it was already evident that India had made concessions in opening up its agricultural sector, a move he said deserved greater public and parliamentary scrutiny.
Statements From Leaders Fuel Questions
The controversy follows remarks earlier this week by President Trump, who said that India and the US had reached a trade deal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also welcomed the development, saying he was pleased that goods manufactured in India would benefit from a reduced tariff rate of 18 per cent.
Adding to expectations of clarity, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had stated at a press conference that a joint statement from both countries would be released shortly, providing comprehensive details of the agreement. However, the absence of such a statement so far has become a focal point of the opposition’s criticism.
Congress Seeks Parliamentary Discussion
The Congress has formally demanded that the government take Parliament into confidence on the terms of not only the US trade deal but also ongoing trade discussions with the European Union. Party leaders have alleged that decisions with far-reaching implications for domestic sectors, particularly agriculture, are being taken without adequate consultation or debate.
Jairam Ramesh suggested that the timing and manner of the announcement raised questions about the motivations behind it. He claimed that the Prime Minister had pushed for an immediate declaration and said there were multiple reasons behind this urgency, though he did not elaborate on them publicly.
Rahul Gandhi Raises Farmer Concerns
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also weighed in, accusing the Prime Minister of yielding to external pressure while finalising the agreement. He argued that the deal undermined the interests of Indian farmers, whose livelihoods could be affected by increased agricultural imports.
In a post on social media platform X, Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister was unwilling to allow a full discussion in Parliament on several sensitive issues, including trade tariffs. He maintained that transparency was essential when entering into international agreements that could reshape domestic markets.
BJP Pushes Back at Allegations
Responding to the criticism, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party rejected the opposition’s claims. BJP MP Anurag Thakur questioned whether the Congress and other opposition parties were acting in India’s national interest, accusing them of politicising an issue that involved strategic economic engagement with a key global partner.
Thakur defended the government’s approach, suggesting that trade negotiations require careful handling and that premature disclosure could be counterproductive. He said the government remained committed to safeguarding Indian interests while expanding global trade opportunities.
Awaiting Official Clarification
As political debate intensifies, attention now rests on the promised joint statement from India and the United States. Observers note that clear communication will be critical in addressing concerns about transparency, farmer welfare, and the broader economic impact of the agreement.
Until detailed terms are officially released, the India–US trade deal is likely to remain a contentious topic in Parliament and public discourse, highlighting the continuing divide between the government and the opposition on matters of economic policy and international trade.