Congress Urges India To Avoid Trade Pact That Could Harm National Interests Amid Trump Remark Row

The Congress party on Tuesday stepped up its criticism of the central government over ongoing India–United States trade negotiations, cautioning that India should avoid entering into any agreement that could compromise its economic interests. The remarks come at a time when high-level discussions are underway in New Delhi with visiting American trade officials, adding fresh political heat to an already sensitive phase of bilateral economic engagement.

The immediate trigger for the political response was the visit of US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to India for a two-day round of discussions on trade and tariff-related issues. The talks are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including reciprocal tariffs, market access, digital trade rules, and long-term supply chain cooperation between the two countries. The Congress said the timing of the visit highlights the urgency of defining India’s negotiating position more clearly.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticised the government’s handling of trade diplomacy, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi must stop “appeasing” former US President Donald Trump. He argued that India should not be pressured into what he described as an imbalanced trade framework and warned against making concessions that could adversely affect domestic sectors, particularly agriculture and industry. Ramesh further said India must adopt a more assertive stance in safeguarding its economic sovereignty during negotiations.

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In his remarks, Ramesh also referred to earlier India–US trade discussions and joint statements, claiming that a previous understanding had involved commitments on both sides regarding tariff reductions and purchase agreements. He stated that the United States had indicated reductions in tariffs on Indian exports, while India had considered easing duties on select agricultural and industrial goods, alongside long-term procurement commitments. According to him, such arrangements require careful scrutiny in light of changing legal and political developments in the United States.

Ramesh further cited a ruling by the US Supreme Court, which he said affected the legal validity of certain tariff measures associated with President Trump’s reciprocal trade strategy. He argued that this development created uncertainty around previously discussed tariff concessions and could potentially alter the framework of ongoing negotiations. He also noted that a temporary tariff measure introduced by the US on multiple trading partners, including India, has added further unpredictability to the trade environment.

The Congress leader also drew comparisons with other countries, claiming that Malaysia had taken a firmer position in resisting similar trade pressures from Washington. He urged the Indian government to study such examples and ensure that any agreement prioritises national interest over external pressure. According to him, India must avoid being “bamboozled” into signing a pact that could have long-term implications for domestic producers and strategic sectors.

As negotiations continue between Indian officials and the visiting US delegation, both sides are expected to focus on narrowing differences and identifying mutually acceptable frameworks. The outcome of these discussions is likely to influence not only bilateral trade relations but also India’s broader economic engagement strategy with major global partners in the coming years.

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