Indo-US Trade Deal Criticised by Congress for Threatening India's Sovereignty and National Interest

The Congress party has condemned the Indo-US interim trade deal, asserting it compromises India's honour and sovereignty. They argue that the agreement was rushed under US pressure and detrimental to farmers and national interests.

The Congress party has criticised the Indo-US interim trade deal, claiming it undermines India's sovereignty. Party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate accused the government of rushing the agreement under American pressure. She described the deal as suspicious and against national interests, particularly affecting farmers, youth, energy security, and data sovereignty. Shrinate alleged that the prime minister imposed this compromised agreement on the country.

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh echoed these concerns, labelling the agreement anti-farmer. He criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not addressing these issues. Singh also responded to PM Modi's remarks about a protest by Indian Youth Congress workers at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi. He alleged that BJP's youth wing attacked Congress offices, leading to clashes.

Trade Deal Concerns

Shrinate argued that India would have been in a stronger position if it had waited for the US Supreme Court's decision on President Donald Trump's tariffs. She noted that a uniform global tariff could have benefited India. However, under the current agreement announced in early February, India accepted an 18% tariff on its products, which she claimed was misleadingly celebrated as an achievement.

The agreement reportedly requires India to impose near-zero tariffs on US goods and import $500 billion worth of products from the US over five years. Shrinate questioned why Indian farmers are being disadvantaged by opening domestic markets to US agricultural products. She claimed this move threatens India's energy and data security.

Energy and Data Security Issues

Shrinate highlighted concerns about India's energy security due to conditions in the deal that prevent purchasing cheaper crude oil from Russia. This could make India reliant on costly imports, increasing inflation for ordinary citizens. Additionally, she warned that handing over sensitive data to the US poses a threat to India's digital sovereignty.

Singh criticised PM Modi for not addressing these issues publicly. He also condemned the violence during protests by BJP's youth wing outside Congress offices in Madhya Pradesh. Singh stated, "Everybody has the right to protest, but violence and stone pelting are unacceptable. I oppose it."

The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha organised protests outside Congress offices across Madhya Pradesh, leading to clashes with Congress supporters. Singh questioned whether registering cases against Congress workers while ignoring attacks by BJP's youth wing is justifiable.

Congress leaders continue to express their dissatisfaction with the Indo-US trade deal, urging for a reconsideration of its terms to protect national interests and ensure fair treatment for Indian farmers and industries.

With inputs from PTI