Calling the agreement opaque and one-sided, the Congress said India has the right to know the full details of the trade deal announced unilaterally by US President Donald Trump.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, February 3, 2026: The Congress on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Modi government over the newly announced India–US trade deal, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of lacking transparency, compromising national interests, and bypassing Parliament in finalising what it described as a far-reaching and potentially disruptive agreement.
In a strongly worded post on X, the Congress said that like the ceasefire announcement earlier, the trade deal was also unilaterally announced by US President Donald Trump, raising serious concerns over India’s diplomatic positioning and sovereignty in global negotiations.
“Like the ceasefire, the announcement of the trade deal was also made by US President Trump. It has been stated that the trade deal is being done ‘on Modi’s request’,” the Congress said.
The opposition party said such a major economic and strategic agreement cannot be conducted behind closed doors, especially when it carries deep implications for Indian farmers, traders, industry, energy security, and the Make in India programme.
Just like the ceasefire, the announcement of the trade deal was also made by US President Trump. It has been stated that the trade deal is being done ‘on Modi’s request’.
• Trump says that India will move to reduce tariff and non tariff barriers against the United States to…
— Congress (@INCIndia) February 3, 2026
‘Zero Tariff’ Claim Sparks Industry Concerns
Citing Trump’s claim that India will reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers on American goods to zero, the Congress warned that completely opening Indian markets to US products could severely damage domestic manufacturing and trade.
“Trump says that India will move to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers against the United States to ‘zero’. It seems India has agreed to completely open our market for America. This will impact Indian industry, traders and farmers,” the party said.
The Congress argued that Indian businesses — particularly MSMEs and small traders — would struggle to compete with heavily subsidised and technologically superior American products, leading to market displacement, factory closures, and job losses.
Agriculture Opening: ‘How Are Farmers Protected?’
The opposition also expressed deep concern over reports that India may open its agriculture sector to American imports, calling it a direct threat to the livelihoods of millions of farmers.
“There is talk of opening the agriculture sector for America in the statement as well. What exactly is the deal? How has the security and interests of our farmers been ensured?” the Congress asked.
The party warned that cheap, subsidy-backed US farm produce could crash domestic prices, deepen rural distress, and spark widespread farmer protests, similar to those seen during the now-repealed farm laws.
Russian Oil Clause Raises Energy Security Fears
The Congress also questioned Trump’s claim that India would stop buying oil from Russia and instead source energy from the US and Venezuela, calling it a serious strategic and economic gamble.
“It has also been said that the Modi government will not buy oil from Russia, but will buy from America and Venezuela instead. Has the Modi government agreed to this condition?” the party asked.
The opposition pointed out that discounted Russian crude had helped India control inflation and fuel prices, and any abrupt shift could increase import costs, strain foreign exchange reserves, and push fuel prices upward.
‘What Happened to Make in India?’
Congress further questioned how large-scale purchases of American goods, as claimed by Trump, align with the government’s flagship Make in India programme.
“There is talk of buying more goods from America. If that’s the case, then what happened to ‘Make in India’?” the party said.
It warned that rising imports could undermine domestic production, weaken supply chains, and stall India’s manufacturing ambitions, which are central to employment generation and economic growth.
Demand for Parliamentary Disclosure
Calling the deal opaque and one-sided, the Congress demanded that the Modi government immediately place all details of the agreement before Parliament.
“India has the right to know details of the trade deal. The Modi government must take the Parliament and the entire country into confidence and share all the details,” the statement said.
The party stressed that agreements of such magnitude require democratic scrutiny, debate, and national consensus, particularly when they involve energy security, agriculture, and strategic autonomy.
Political Fallout
The Congress attack adds to the political debate around the India–US trade deal, especially after Trump’s unilateral announcement claimed sweeping concessions from India, while the Indian government has so far officially confirmed only a reduction in US tariffs on Indian exports.
With farmer groups, trade bodies, and industry associations set to seek clarity, the issue is expected to dominate parliamentary proceedings and political discourse in the coming days.
