TradeDeal – Opposition Questions Centre After US Announces India Tariff Reduction
TradeDeal – The announcement of a reduced tariff on Indian exports by the United States has triggered sharp reactions from opposition leaders, who are questioning the manner and source of the disclosure rather than the substance of the deal itself.
Congress Rajya Sabha member and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Tuesday raised concerns after US President Donald Trump publicly declared that the two countries had reached a trade understanding. According to Trump, the agreement would bring down tariffs on Indian goods entering the US market from 25 per cent to 18 per cent. Singhvi took to social media to question why such a significant development was communicated by the US administration instead of the Indian government.
Singhvi Flags Process and Transparency Issues
In a post on X, Singhvi expressed surprise that details of the trade arrangement were shared from Washington before any official statement from New Delhi. He suggested that matters involving trade policy and national economic commitments should be communicated by Indian authorities first. Singhvi also pointed to claims that India would increase purchases of American energy, technology, agricultural products, and coal as part of the arrangement, adding that clarity from the Indian leadership was still awaited.
His remarks were framed as a constitutional and procedural concern, rather than a direct criticism of the tariff reduction itself. Singhvi argued that transparency and institutional communication were essential when decisions with wide economic implications are involved.
Trump Outlines Terms of Proposed Trade Understanding
President Trump, speaking on Monday, stated that the tariff cut was offered “out of friendship and respect” for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He further claimed that India had agreed to significantly scale up imports from the United States across multiple sectors. Trump also asserted that Prime Minister Modi had committed to stopping purchases of Russian oil, a statement that has not yet been officially confirmed by Indian authorities.
The comments immediately gained attention in India due to their scope and the absence of a simultaneous announcement from the Indian government.
Jairam Ramesh Coins ‘Trump-Nirbharta’ Remark
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also weighed in, criticising what he described as a growing pattern where major national decisions are first revealed by foreign leaders. In a separate post on X, Ramesh used the term “Trump-nirbharta” to describe what he sees as India’s increasing dependence on statements from the US President and his representatives for information about its own policy actions.
Ramesh referred to past instances as well, claiming that details of Prime Minister Modi’s recent conversation with President Trump were initially shared by the US Ambassador to India rather than by Indian officials. According to Ramesh, this trend raises questions about communication protocols and diplomatic norms.
Government Welcomes Tariff Relief for Indian Exports
While opposition leaders focused on the process, the government highlighted the economic benefits of the proposed deal. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman welcomed the reduction in tariffs, stating that it would provide a boost to Indian-manufactured products in the US market.
In her post on X, Sitharaman said the lower tariff rate would help Indian exporters remain competitive and benefit consumers in both countries. She credited the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and President Trump for advancing economic cooperation between the two democracies and expressed optimism about the broader impact on bilateral trade.
Awaiting Official Details from New Delhi
As of Tuesday, no detailed statement outlining the terms, timelines, or legal framework of the trade agreement had been released by the Indian government. Analysts note that further clarification will be necessary to understand the full scope of the commitments mentioned by the US President, including energy purchases and changes in sourcing policies.
The episode has once again highlighted the political sensitivity surrounding trade negotiations, especially when public announcements precede domestic briefings. With Parliament and stakeholders seeking clarity, official confirmation and documentation from New Delhi are expected in the coming days.