The Congress on Tuesday mounted a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi government over the newly announced US-India trade deal, questioning both the process through which it was revealed and the potential implications for Indian farmers, traders, and domestic industry. The opposition party demanded that the Centre place the full details of the agreement before Parliament and take the country into confidence.
The political backlash followed an announcement by US President Donald Trump, who said the United States and India had “agreed to a Trade Deal” under which Washington would reduce its reciprocal tariff on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent. Trump made the announcement on his social media platform Truth Social, stating that the decision had been taken “on Prime Minister Modi’s request” and “out of friendship and respect”.
The Congress said it was deeply concerned that a development of such economic and strategic significance was first disclosed by the US President rather than by the Indian government.
‘Announcement Made From Washington, Not Delhi’
In a post on X, the Congress compared the trade deal announcement to previous diplomatic developments, alleging a pattern where key decisions were first revealed by foreign leaders.
“Just like the ceasefire, the announcement of the trade deal was also made by US President Trump. It has been stated that the trade deal is being done ‘on Modi’s request’,” the party said, questioning why the Indian government had not officially briefed Parliament or the public before the US President’s declaration.
The party said the manner of the announcement raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability, particularly given the far-reaching consequences of trade agreements.
Concerns Over Tariffs and Market Access
A central point of contention raised by the Congress was Trump’s claim that India would move to reduce both tariff and non-tariff barriers against the United States to “zero”.
“This suggests that India may have agreed to completely open its market for American goods,” the Congress said, warning that such a move could severely impact Indian industry, small traders, and manufacturing sectors already under pressure.
The opposition party demanded clarity on whether India had indeed committed to eliminating import barriers and, if so, which sectors would be affected.
Agriculture Sector Under Spotlight
The Congress also flagged concerns over references to opening India’s agriculture sector to American products, calling it a sensitive area with direct implications for millions of farmers.
“There is talk of opening the agriculture sector for America in the statement as well. What exactly is the deal? How has the security and interests of our farmers been ensured?” the party asked.
Agriculture has long been a politically and economically sensitive subject in trade negotiations, with successive Indian governments resisting full liberalisation due to concerns over livelihoods, food security, and price stability.
Russia Oil Purchases Questioned
Another issue highlighted by the Congress was Trump’s assertion that India would stop buying oil from Russia and instead source more crude from the United States and Venezuela.
“It has also been said that the Modi government will not buy oil from Russia, but will buy from America and Venezuela instead. Has the Modi government agreed to this condition?” the party asked, seeking clarification on whether India’s energy procurement strategy was part of the trade negotiations.
India has consistently defended its purchase of Russian oil, citing national interest and energy security, particularly amid global supply disruptions.
‘What Happens to Make in India?’
The Congress further questioned how increased imports from the US, as suggested by Trump, align with the government’s flagship “Make in India” initiative.
“If India is going to buy more goods from America, then what happens to ‘Make in India’?” the party asked, arguing that the government must explain how domestic manufacturing would be protected under the new arrangement.
The party insisted that Parliament must be briefed on the terms of the deal and that stakeholders, including farmers’ groups and industry bodies, should be consulted before any commitments are finalised.
Government Yet to Release Full Details
While Prime Minister Modi later thanked Trump for the announcement, saying “Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India,” neither side initially released detailed documentation outlining the scope and conditions of the agreement.
The two leaders spoke earlier in the day, but official readouts remained limited. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor subsequently confirmed that the overall tariff imposed by the US on Indian goods would stand at 18 per cent, adding that finer details would be finalised over the next few days.
In an interview, Gor said some components of the agreement were still pending formal signatures, indicating that negotiations may not yet be fully concluded.
Political Pressure Builds
The Congress said the absence of clarity only deepens public anxiety and fuels speculation about the true cost of the deal.
“India has the right to know the details of the trade agreement. The Modi government must take Parliament and the entire country into confidence,” the party said.
As the government prepares to finalise the agreement, the political debate underscores the broader challenge of balancing trade liberalisation with domestic economic priorities. With key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and manufacturing potentially affected, the demand for transparency is likely to intensify in the days ahead.
