India-US trade deal: Jairam Ramesh seeks clarity, alleges concessions

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh questioned the lack of details on the India-US trade deal, alleging concessions on agricultural imports. The deal has sparked a political row, with the opposition raising concerns over transparency and farmer impact.

Congress Demands Clarity on Trade Deal

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday demanded clarity on the details of the India-US trade deal, stating that a joint statement has not yet been issued. Jairam Ramesh hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an X post and claimed that New Delhi has made "concessions on liberalising imports of agricultural items." "36 hours have passed since President Trump said that the India-US trade deal was being announced and coming into effect immediately at Mr Modi's request. Spin doctors are at work, but we still don't have any details on the deal, although it is clear that India has made concessions on liberalising imports of agricultural items. There is not even a joint statement. It is absolutely clear that Mr Modi pushed through the announcement. Why? There are at least three reasons," the Congress MP wrote.

Opposition Raises Concerns Over Transparency, Farmer Impact

The India-US trade agreement, reducing the tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent, triggered a political row in the country. The Centre projected it as a landmark, future-defining deal that will accelerate India's growth trajectory, while opposition parties have raised sharp questions about transparency and the impact on farmers and domestic industries.

The Congress has questioned claims that agriculture and dairy have been protected, sought clarity on tariff reductions to 18 per cent from 25 per cent, and raised concerns over US President Donald Trump's claims that India may reduce tariffs to zero on certain American goods and purchase USD 500 billion of US energy, technology, agricultural, coal, and many other products. These claims are yet to be confirmed by the Centre.

Government Defends Deal, Assures Protection for Farmers

However, India and the US are likely to issue a joint statement on the trade agreement this week, according to government sources. "We are under final stages of detailing with the negotiating team. A joint statement of the India-US trade deal is likely to be issued this week," said the source.

Meanwhile, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always championed the agriculture and dairy sectors, safeguarding their interests, and noted that the sensitive sectors of India's economy, particularly agriculture and dairy, have been protected in the India-US trade deal.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, he said that MSMEs, the country's engineering sector and sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, leather goods and marine goods will all get numerous opportunities. "PM Modi has always championed both the agriculture and dairy sectors, safeguarding their interests and working tirelessly to ensure a bright future and ample opportunities for the people in this sector. I am pleased that the entire country understands and appreciates this, and it resonates deeply with them. The sensitive factors of India's economy, particularly agriculture and dairy, have been protected," the Union Minister said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)