The Rajya Sabha faced tension as CPI(M) MP John Brittas sought to prioritize discussing the India-US trade deal, but Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan rejected the request under Rule 267 due to the absence of an emergency. This disagreement unfolded amidst opposition criticism of the trade pact, initially disclosed by US President Donald Trump on X platform and subsequently acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Opposition members, including Congress and CPI(M) representatives, have demanded transparency, the agreement’s text disclosure, and a parliamentary debate, citing the government’s deviation from convention by not presenting details during the session.
Brittas, during the Motion of Thanks debate, criticized the timing and manner of the announcement, questioning whether Parliament had been overshadowed by Elon Musk’s X platform. He raised concerns about the deal’s potential impact on India’s agriculture, sovereignty, and strategic autonomy, accusing the government of jeopardizing national interests without proper scrutiny. Brittas also highlighted the lack of immediate clarification post-announcement and the unusual late-night response required from Indian leaders to address US statements.
Described as a significant reset in bilateral relations after tariff disputes, the India-US trade deal involves the US reducing reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18% immediately. Trump asserted that India committed to eliminating tariffs and non-tariff barriers on US products, halting Russian oil purchases, and boosting imports from the US and Venezuela.
