Congress Slams Modi Govt Over US-India Trade Deal, Calls It ‘Betrayal’ of Farmers and National Interest
New Delhi: The Congress party on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Modi government over the recent India-US trade framework agreement signed on February 6, 2026, accusing it of sacrificing farmers’ livelihoods, energy security, and India’s sovereignty to appease the United States.
Addressing a press conference, senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala termed the deal “unacceptable,” claiming it opens Indian markets to duty-free imports of American agricultural products like processed maize (DDG), sorghum, soybean oil, and cotton. He argued that the US produces vastly larger quantities—425 million metric tonnes of maize annually compared to India’s 43 million—and zero-tariff access would devastate Indian farmers in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
Surjewala also raised concerns over indirect entry of genetically modified (GM) crops, alleging the agreement weakens India’s policy against GM imports and threatens seed purity and biodiversity. He questioned the removal of non-tariff barriers, saying it could pressure India to cut farmer subsidies while the US provides its farmers $16 billion annually.
On energy security, he claimed the deal includes a commitment to stop buying Russian crude oil—previously 40% of India’s imports, saving ₹1.81 lakh crore since 2022—and forces India to purchase expensive US oil instead, with Washington threatening penalties for non-compliance.
The Congress leader further criticised a reported obligation for India to buy $100 billion worth of US goods annually for five years (totalling $500 billion), calling it “forced” rather than equitable trade, reversing India’s current trade surplus.
Surjewala challenged Union ministers, including Amit Shah, to an open debate on the issue and said the party would deliberate on future action, including possible nationwide protests. He emphasised that any agreement harming 72 crore Indians dependent on agriculture and small industries would not be tolerated.
The government has defended the deal as beneficial for bilateral trade growth, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stating it provides reciprocal benefits. Prime Minister Modi has also described it as in national interest.
