Rahul Gandhi's Five Questions to PM Modi: Is India-US Trade Deal Handing Farmers to America?
Rahul Gandhi questions the impact of India-US trade deal on farmers.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified scrutiny of the India-US trade pact on Sunday, alleging that the agreement compromises Indian farmers’ interests. Addressing the government on social media, he demanded direct answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on five key concerns regarding the deal.
Gandhi highlighted the potential risks of importing Dried Distillers’ Grains (DDG) derived from genetically modified (GM) American corn, questioning whether Indian cattle and the dairy industry would become dependent on US agricultural products. He warned that such moves could deeply affect domestic production chains and food security.
The opposition leader also raised concerns about GM soya oil and pulses, asking how farmers in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and other states would survive another price shock. He stressed the need for clarity on “additional products” and whether these could lead to pressure to liberalize imports of sensitive crops in future negotiations.
Also Read: Rahul Gandhi: India-US Trade Deal Betrays Farmers and Hands Agriculture to America
Further, Rahul Gandhi questioned the removal of “non-trade barriers,” warning that this could weaken India’s procurement policies, minimum support prices (MSPs), and bonuses. He demanded safeguards to prevent incremental erosion of protections for farmers in subsequent trade rounds.
Reiterating his charge that the Modi government is yielding to US pressure, Gandhi said the pact raises long-term concerns over India’s agricultural sovereignty. “This is not just about today. It’s about whether we are giving another country a lasting hold on India’s agriculture sector,” he stated.
The Leader of Opposition’s remarks signal growing political debate over the India-US interim trade deal, as parties and farmer groups seek assurance that domestic interests and rural livelihoods will remain protected amid global trade negotiations.
Also Read: Rahul Gandhi: India-US Trade Deal Betrays Farmers and Hands Agriculture to America
