Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar President Sharad Pawar expressed worries about the potential negative impact of the new trade agreement between India and the US on Indian farmers and the agricultural sector. While details of the deal are not fully revealed yet, Pawar, in a press conference, expressed concerns based on the available information. He specifically highlighted concerns about the bilateral trade deal.
Pawar mentioned that while the US plans to lower tariffs on Indian exports, uncertainties remain about reciprocal arrangements. He also pointed out that the deal could allow the US to export its agricultural products to India. Emphasizing the economic strength of the US, Pawar warned that large-scale exports to India could disrupt the domestic market and harm local farmers.
Expressing his intention to provide further comments once more information is available, Pawar also touched on the Union Budget. He noted his absence during the Budget presentation due to Ajit Pawar’s accident and expressed relief over the absence of new taxes burdening the public. However, he stressed the need for more concrete measures to boost developmental growth.
Regarding the political landscape, Pawar refrained from commenting on Sunetra Pawar’s controversial oath-taking as Deputy Chief Minister. Instead, he focused on national security issues and the India-China border situation. Criticizing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his remarks on the NCP factions’ merger, Pawar clarified that Fadnavis was not involved in the discussions and therefore should not comment on the matter. He reiterated that talks for the merger were ongoing between Jayant Patil and Ajit Pawar.
