Opposition leaders have criticized the India-US trade agreement, expressing worries about the country’s sovereignty, transparency in decision-making, and potential impacts on farmers, energy security, and foreign policy. They questioned the manner in which key announcements were made by US President Donald Trump instead of the Indian government, raising concerns that the deal may favor the US disproportionately.
Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat expressed discontent, highlighting a significant increase in tariff levels and questioning the need for celebration. He emphasized the shift from a 3-4% tariff to the current 18%, raising concerns about India’s autonomy in decision-making and the manner in which trade information is being communicated.
Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav voiced suspicions about hidden agendas behind the deal, stating that the US would prioritize its own interests in any agreement. He suggested that there might be undisclosed motives related to arms procurement or oil sourcing routes, cautioning against potential repercussions for India.
Several other opposition leaders, including Congress MP Jebi Mather and SP MP Rajiv Rai, expressed similar apprehensions about the trade deal’s implications on India’s autonomy and strategic decisions. They called for clarity on the deal’s details, especially regarding agricultural agreements and oil procurement from specific countries.
