NEW DELHI — The Indian National Congress on Tuesday criticised the Narendra Modi-led government over the US-India trade deal announced by President Donald Trump on Monday, urging the government to take the nation into confidence on its terms.
Trump said India had agreed to stop buying Russian oil and might instead source it from Venezuela, while tariffs and non-tariff barriers for American goods would be reduced to zero. The Congress condemned the move, claiming it could hurt Indian industry, traders, and farmers, and questioned whether Modi had safeguarded agricultural and strategic interests.
Congress members described the deal as a “surrender of India’s sovereignty” and compared it to Modi’s stance during the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict. Jairam Ramesh said Modi had “appeased” Trump, leaving India diminished, and called for full parliamentary debate on the trade agreements with both the US and EU.
Kerala Congress called the deal a step toward turning India into “an American colony,” while Supriya Shrinate expressed concern over a surge of US agricultural exports to India.
On the other hand, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar welcomed the deal, saying it would spur jobs, innovation, and economic growth, and strengthen the “Make in India” initiative. Prime Minister Modi also expressed gratitude to Trump, promising closer cooperation and a stronger strategic partnership.
