Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the Central Government on Sunday regarding the recently discussed India-US Trade Deal. Gandhi termed the agreement a potential betrayal of Indian farmers, suggesting it could jeopardize the nation's agricultural sovereignty. He directed five specific questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking clarity on the transparency of the deal and its long-term implications for the rural economy. The Congress leader alleged that opening the Indian market to American agricultural products could severely impact the livelihoods of domestic producers.
Five Critical Questions Raised by Rahul Gandhi
Addressing the Prime Minister through social media, Rahul Gandhi sought clarification on the import of Distillers Dried Grains (DDG). He questioned whether this implies that Indian livestock will be fed distillers grain made from Genetically Modified (GM) American maize. Gandhi expressed concern that such a move could make the Indian dairy industry effectively dependent on the US agricultural sector. His second question focused on the import of GM soy oil, asking about the fate of soy farmers in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan if large-scale imports are permitted at reduced tariffs.
Concerns Over GM Imports and Dairy Sector
The Congress leader further questioned the definition of 'Additional Products' mentioned in the deal. He asked if this indicates future pressure to open up pulses and other essential crops to US imports. Gandhi also sought clarity on the removal of 'Non-Tariff Barriers,' raising suspicions about whether India would be pressured to relax its stance on GM crops, weaken government procurement processes, or reduce Minimum Support Price (MSP) and bonuses for farmers. He emphasized that once this door is opened, there might be no mechanism to prevent more crops from being put on the negotiating table every year.
Nationwide Protests and Opposition's Demands
The trade deal has met with significant resistance from opposition parties, farmer organizations, and trade unions. A nationwide 'Bharat Bandh' was called on February 12 to protest the agreement. Inside Parliament, opposition MPs staged demonstrations demanding that the government make the full details of the agreement public, while protesting groups argue that lowering import duties will lead to an influx of cheap foreign goods, which would disadvantage local farmers who are already struggling with rising input costs. They've called for a comprehensive review of the deal's impact on small-scale producers.
Government Response and Economic Justifications
Responding to the allegations, Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Amit Shah dismissed the opposition's claims as misleading and politically motivated. According to government officials, the agreement is designed to provide a significant boost to the Indian economy. The Ministry of Commerce stated that the deal is expected to open a new market worth ₹45,000 crore for the Indian textile sector. The government maintained that the interests of the dairy sector and farmers have been fully protected and that no compromises have been made on sensitive agricultural issues. Officials asserted that the deal would strengthen bilateral trade and strategic ties.
Key Components of the India-US Trade Agreement
Under the framework of the deal, India has agreed to reduce or eliminate tariffs on several US industrial, agricultural, and food products, while in return, India has committed to large-scale procurement of energy, Information Technology (IT) services, agricultural products, and coal from the United States. Both nations have pledged to work toward removing non-tariff barriers that hinder smooth trade. The agreement also includes commitments to negotiate on digital trade rules and the removal of the Digital Services Tax. Also, both countries have agreed to enhance economic security cooperation in areas such as supply chain resilience, advanced technology, and investment.