Indo-US trade deal: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi withdraw the Indo-US trade deal, calling it “anti-farmer” and detrimental to India’s agricultural interests.
Speaking at a farmers’ gathering titled ‘Kisan Mahachaupal’ in Bhopal, the Congress leader described the Indo-US trade deal as a severe blow to rural livelihoods.
“This is not a trade agreement but an arrow piercing the hearts of India’s farmers,” Gandhi said, alleging that the deal prioritises foreign interests over domestic agriculture.
He further claimed that the agreement was concluded under pressure from former US President Donald Trump and suggested it was linked to concerns surrounding the “Epstein files” as well as to benefit industrialist Gautam Adani.
Gandhi also accused the Prime Minister of bypassing key cabinet members while finalising the Indo-US trade deal, naming Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari as not being taken into confidence.
According to the Congress leader, the Indo-US trade deal could adversely affect multiple sectors, including agriculture, textiles, data governance and imports, potentially exposing Indian markets to unfair competition.
He also alleged that he was prevented from speaking in the Lok Sabha after the President’s address, calling it a curtailment of opposition voices.
Commenting on remarks related to former Army chief M M Naravane’s memoir, Gandhi stated that decisions regarding war are ultimately political rather than purely military.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who shared the stage, criticised the government’s approach and said the Indo-US trade deal reflects a “surrender” of national interests.
The government has not yet issued an official response to the allegations.