What Exactly Is The Deal? Congress Demands Key Details of India-US Agreement

Congress has asked the ruling BJP to reveal the details of the India-US trade deal, raising questions over the claims made by US President Donald Trump.

In a post on X, Congress stated that slashing tariffs to 'zero' will impact India while questioned the manner in which the deal was announced.

"Just like the ceasefire, the announcement of the trade deal was also made by US President Trump. It has been stated that the trade deal is being done 'on Modi's request'," Congress said.

"Trump says that India will move to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers against the United States to 'zero'. It seems India has agreed to completely open our market for America. This will impact Indian industry, traders and farmers. There is talk of opening the agriculture sector for America in the statement as well. What exactly is the deal? How has the security and interests of our farmers been ensured?" they said.

The Opposition party raised over the agreement, preventing India from buying discounted oil from Russia.

"It has also been said that Modi government will not buy oil from Russia, but will buy from America and Venezuela instead. Has the Modi government agreed to this condition? • In addition, there is talk of buying more goods from America. If that's the case, then what happened to 'Make in India'?" they asked.

"India has the right to know details of the trade deal. The Modi government must take the Parliament and the entire country into confidence and share all the details," Congress asked.

The reaction comes after US President Donald Trump made the announcement on the deal following a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"It was an Honor to speak with Prime Minister Modi, of India, this morning. He is one of my greatest friends and, a Powerful and Respected Leader of his Country. We spoke about many things, including Trade, and ending the War with Russia and Ukraine. He agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela. This will help END THE WAR in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week! Out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi and, as per his request, effective immediately, we agreed to a Trade Deal between the United States and India, whereby the United States will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25% to 18%. They will likewise move forward to reduce their Tariffs and Non Tariff Barriers against the United States, to ZERO," the US President said.

On his turn, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement.

When two large economies and the world's largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.

President Trump's leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace.I look forward to working closely with him to take our partnership to unprecedented heights."

As per a White House official, the US will drop the additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports for buying Russian oil, noting that India has to "cease, not just reduce, Russian oil purchases."