Addressing reporters in Parliament, Gandhi claimed the agreement compromised India’s national interest. “The hard work and sweat of the people have been sold,” he said, alleging that the Prime Minister was acting under fear and pressure. According to Gandhi, a legal case involving the Adani Group in the United States and unreleased material in the Epstein files had weakened Modi’s position. “These are two pressure points. The country needs to understand that the Prime Minister is compromised,” he said.
Gandhi also raised concerns over parliamentary functioning, stating that for the first time, the Leader of Opposition was not allowed to speak during the debate on the President’s Address. He urged the public to reflect on what he described as an erosion of democratic norms.
The Congress escalated its criticism through party general secretary Jairam Ramesh, who mocked the Prime Minister in a social media post, questioning why key national decisions were being announced from Washington. Ramesh argued that revelations by President Trump—particularly claims that India would reduce oil purchases from Russia and increase imports from the US and Venezuela—undermined the government’s “Make in India” policy. He alleged that Indians were increasingly learning about policy shifts from foreign leaders rather than their own government.
President Trump announced the trade deal late Monday on his social media platform Truth Social, stating that the US had cut reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%. He claimed that India had committed to significantly increasing imports of American energy, technology, agriculture and other goods, estimating purchases of over $500 billion. Trump also said the two leaders discussed trade and efforts to end the Russia–Ukraine conflict during a phone call.
Responding to Trump’s announcement, Prime Minister Modi welcomed the tariff reduction, calling it beneficial for Indian exports. In a post on X, Modi said he was pleased to speak with President Trump and thanked him for lowering tariffs on “Made in India” products, describing the move as a positive step for bilateral trade.
The government has not formally addressed the Opposition’s allegations regarding external pressure or domestic implications of the deal. However, senior ministers have maintained that the agreement strengthens India–US economic ties and supports growth.
With Parliament witnessing repeated disruptions over the issue, the trade deal is expected to remain a flashpoint in the ongoing Budget Session, as the Opposition presses for greater transparency and parliamentary scrutiny.
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