Congress Seeks Clarity on India–US Trade Deal
The India–US trade agreement, which reportedly reduces tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent, has triggered a political row
New Delhi: Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday demanded clarity on the details of the India–US trade deal, stating that no joint statement has been issued so far.
In a post on X, Jairam Ramesh targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and claimed that India has made “concessions on liberalising imports of agricultural items.” He said that 36 hours have passed since US President Donald Trump announced that the India–US trade deal was being declared and implemented immediately at Prime Minister Modi’s request, but details of the agreement remain unclear.
“Spin doctors are at work, but we still don't have any details on the deal, although it is clear that India has made concessions on liberalising imports of agricultural items. There is not even a joint statement. It is absolutely clear that Mr Modi pushed through the announcement. Why? There are at least three reasons,” Jairam Ramesh wrote.
The India–US trade agreement, which reportedly reduces tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent, has triggered a political row. While the Centre has projected it as a landmark, future-defining deal that will accelerate India’s growth, opposition parties have raised questions about transparency and its impact on farmers and domestic industries.
The Congress has questioned the government’s claims that agriculture and dairy sectors have been protected. It has also sought clarity on tariff reductions from 25 per cent to 18 per cent and raised concerns over President Trump’s claims that India may reduce tariffs to zero on certain American goods and purchase USD 500 billion worth of US energy, technology, agricultural, coal and other products. These claims have not yet been confirmed by the Centre.
Meanwhile, government sources indicated that India and the US are likely to issue a joint statement on the trade agreement later this week. “We are under final stages of detailing with the negotiating team. A joint statement of the India–US trade deal is likely to be issued this week,” a source said.
Addressing the issue, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently championed the agriculture and dairy sectors and ensured their protection. He added that sensitive sectors of the Indian economy, particularly agriculture and dairy, have been safeguarded in the trade deal.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Goyal said that MSMEs, the engineering sector, and industries such as textiles, gems and jewellery, leather goods and marine products will gain significant opportunities from the agreement. He reiterated that the protection of agriculture and dairy reflects the government’s commitment to India’s core economic interests.