The Congress party has mounted a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi-led government over the newly announced US–India trade deal, demanding that the Centre place all details of the agreement in the public domain and clearly spell out its consequences for Indian farmers, traders and domestic industry.
Raising serious concerns over both the substance and the manner of the announcement, Congress pointed out that the first information about the trade deal came not from the Indian government, but from US President Donald Trump himself. In a post on social media, Trump stated that the agreement had been reached “on Modi’s request”, a claim that the opposition says raises uncomfortable questions about India’s negotiating position and sovereignty in decision-making.
Congress leaders questioned why such a critical development, with long-term implications for India’s economy, was announced unilaterally by the US President rather than through an official statement from New Delhi. According to the party, this pattern mirrors earlier instances, including ceasefire-related announcements, where key information was first communicated by foreign leaders instead of the Indian government. The opposition argues that this undermines transparency and weakens public confidence in the government’s handling of sensitive international negotiations.
A major point of concern flagged by Congress is Trump’s assertion that India has agreed to reduce both tariff and non-tariff barriers against the United States to “zero”. The party warned that such a move could effectively mean opening India’s markets entirely to American goods and companies. Congress leaders cautioned that this could place Indian farmers, small traders, MSMEs and domestic manufacturers at a severe disadvantage when forced to compete with heavily subsidised and technologically advanced US products.
According to the opposition, the farming sector could be particularly vulnerable if agricultural imports from the US are allowed at near-zero duty levels. They fear this may lead to price pressures on Indian produce, threatening farmers’ incomes at a time when rural distress remains a major concern. Similarly, small and medium traders and local industries could struggle to survive if cheaper American goods flood the Indian market.
Congress has also questioned the government’s silence on whether adequate safeguards have been built into the agreement to protect sensitive sectors. The party has demanded clarity on issues such as exemptions, phased implementation, and protective measures for domestic players. Without such details, Congress argues, the government’s claims of securing a “win-win” deal lack credibility.
The opposition has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally address the nation and explain the terms of the agreement, rather than allowing speculation to be shaped by statements from the US President. Congress leaders insist that Parliament must be taken into confidence and that a detailed debate is necessary before any commitments that could have far-reaching economic and social consequences are implemented.
By framing the issue as one of national interest rather than partisan politics, Congress has positioned its criticism as a demand for accountability and transparency. The party maintains that trade agreements should strengthen India’s domestic economy, not expose it to unfair competition or external pressure, and has warned that the government will be held responsible if the deal ends up harming farmers, traders and Indian industry in the long run.
