Sharp Criticism in Parliament
Gandhi’s remarks came during a debate on the Union Budget, where he argued that the agreement disproportionately benefits the United States while placing India at a disadvantage. He alleged that the government had yielded ground on issues tied to food security, energy supplies and citizens’ data, warning that such concessions could have long-term consequences.Using a martial-arts metaphor to describe the geopolitical situation, Gandhi suggested that India had been placed in a strategic “chokehold,” claiming the deal undermines the country’s ability to negotiate as an equal partner on the global stage.
Concerns Over Farmers, Data and Energy
A central theme of Gandhi’s speech was the potential impact on farmers and domestic industries. He argued that opening Indian markets to heavily mechanised American agriculture could expose local farmers to unfair competition. He also warned that the agreement risks handing over leverage in energy and technology sectors to foreign interests.The Congress leader further flagged concerns about the treatment of digital data as a trade commodity, cautioning that citizens’ information is a strategic national asset in the emerging AI-driven economy.
Tariff and Trade Imbalance Allegations
Gandhi pointed to rising U.S. tariffs on Indian goods as evidence of poor negotiation, claiming duties had surged dramatically while India offered concessions in return. According to him, such terms reflect a failure to safeguard economic interests.Government Pushback and Political Showdown
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party rejected Gandhi’s allegations, accusing him of misrepresenting facts and relying on outdated documents. BJP leaders maintained that the trade pact protects domestic sectors and dismissed claims that Indian data or agriculture had been compromised.The heated exchange underscores a broader political battle over India’s foreign policy direction and economic strategy, with the opposition framing the deal as a threat to sovereignty while the government portrays it as a step toward stronger global partnerships.
Wider Debate on India-US Relations
The controversy arrives at a time when India-US economic ties are deepening, including expanded trade in energy, technology and defense. While supporters argue such cooperation strengthens India’s global position, critics fear it could create dependency if not negotiated carefully.Related - India-US Trade Deal: Goyal Assures Protection for Agriculture and Dairy, Tariffs Slashed, Market Optimism Grows