Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly giving in to pressure from former US President Donald Trump. Gandhi claimed that recent agreements with the US have jeopardized India’s farmers, energy independence, and data sovereignty. Speaking at an event in Kerala, Gandhi expressed concerns about the impact of opening key sectors of the Indian economy to American interests.
Gandhi warned that the decisions made could have serious repercussions on India’s agricultural sector. He highlighted the potential competition that large American corporations could pose to Indian farmers, small traders, and local businesses. Gandhi also raised objections to the energy commitments, stating that India now needs US approval for its oil purchases, which he deemed as a compromise on sovereignty.
The Congress leader further criticized the agreement’s implications on data sovereignty, emphasizing the value of data generated by India’s population. He expressed worries about granting American companies access to this vast data pool. Gandhi also pointed out the commitment to import goods worth billions of dollars from the US, suggesting that such agreements were made under pressure.
Gandhi accused Modi of creating economic dependence on the US, alleging that India’s position has been compromised. He referenced instances where Trump allegedly threatened Modi, claiming that Modi had yielded to the pressure. Gandhi emphasized the need for India to protect its people and national interests amid global tensions, especially between the US and Iran.
