NEW DELHI: The Congress on Tuesday urged the Centre to “take the Parliament and the entire country into confidence” over details of the India-US trade agreement after US President Donald Trump publicly announced and outlined its key components. Adding Indians have the right to know the full terms of the pact.In a post on X, Congress laid out several concerns, including claims that the deal was announced by Trump “on Modi’s request” and raised questions about its impact on Indian industry, traders and farmers.The grand old party flagging some issues fired four questions at the government demanding a complete clarity and details over the deal: Tariffs and market access: Trump said India would move to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers against US goods to “zero,” and India will benefit from a US reduction in reciprocal tariffs from 25% to 18%. It “seems India has agreed to completely open our market for America,” the Congress post said, asking what the deal specifically entails and how farmers’ interests are protected.Agriculture sector access: The party sought clarity on talk of opening India’s agriculture sector to American products, asking how the security and interests of Indian farmers have been ensured.Oil supply conditions: Trump’s announcement said PM Modi agreed to “stop buying Russian oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela.” Congress asked whether the government has formally accepted this condition.Buy American commitments: It also said according to the announcement, India would purchase over USD 500 billion of American goods, including energy, technology and agricultural products – raising questions in New Delhi about how this squares with the “Make in India” initiative.In his post announcing the deal, Trump wrote: “It was an Honor to speak with Prime Minister Modi… He agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela… effective immediately, we agreed to a Trade Deal between the United States and India… whereby the United States will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25% to 18%… They will likewise move forward to reduce their Tariffs and Non Tariff Barriers against the United States, to ZERO.”Responding to Trump’s announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the US President, saying he was “delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%” and that stronger cooperation between the two democracies would benefit their people.Congress leaders have also questioned why key aspects of the trade deal were publicly disclosed from Washington, rather than jointly announced by both governments, and called for full disclosure of the agreement’s terms to lawmakers and the public.The government has not yet issued a comprehensive official statement detailing the full terms of the agreement beyond what was shared by Trump and acknowledged by PM Modi.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. 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The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos“Deal Is A Key Priority For Both Sides” Us Expert Lauds India-Us Trade PactTrump Announces India-US Trade Deal, Reduces Reciprocal Tariffs On Delhi To 18%; PM Modi ReactsAir India Grounds Dreamliner After Pilot Flags Fuel Control Switch Issue in London-Bengaluru Flight’Nonsense, Lies’: BJP Blasts Rahul Gandhi For Citing Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Memoir, Oppn Hits BackChina Slams Dalai Lama’s Grammy Win, Calls It Political Manipulation Warns Against Anti-China MovesShowdown In Parliament As Rahul Gandhi Quotes Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Book on China’Arrogant, Liar’: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Attacks CEC Gyanesh After SIR Meet In DelhiPak Analyst Rips Munir Over Trump Minerals Pitch And IMF Loans After US Snubs Pakistan On Pax SilicaBalochistan Crisis: Pakistan-Origin Commentator Takes Apart Islamabad, Exposes Lies On India’India Showed…’: Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Remarks On Galwan Clash Resurface After Lok Sabha Row123PhotostoriesBaby names inspired by Lord hanuman’s strength8 viral cabbage recipes and why we consider them the best6 plants that change colour with seasons or sunlight8 baby boy names that are inspired by successful celebritiesHow to make South Indian Beetroot and Paneer Paniyaram for breakfast at home10 best travel ideas for Valentine’s Day 2026 weekend9 comforting amla dishes ideal for winter months10 luxury bikes that blend power, precision, and prestige‘The 50’, ‘Bigg Boss’, ‘Laughter Chef’: Celebrity reality shows that never fail to entertainHrithik Roshan shares his post-workout meal photo and it is plateful of things we all love123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesCigarette Prices HikeIndia US TradeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingSuper Bowl HalftimeMLB Trade RumorsGeorge SpringerTom BradyTampa Bay LightningNHL Trade RumorsTop YouTube ChannelsRyan ClarkQuinn HughesJoel Embiid
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Tuesday urged the Centre to “take the Parliament and the entire country into confidence” over details of the India-US trade agreement after US President Donald Trump publicly announced and outlined its key components. Adding Indians have the right to know the full terms of the pact.In a post on X, Congress laid out several concerns, including claims that the deal was announced by Trump “on Modi’s request” and raised questions about its impact on Indian industry, traders and farmers.The grand old party flagging some issues fired four questions at the government demanding a complete clarity and details over the deal:
Tariffs and market access : Trump said India would move to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers against US goods to “zero,” and India will benefit from a US reduction in reciprocal tariffs from 25% to 18%. It “seems India has agreed to completely open our market for America,” the Congress post said, asking what the deal specifically entails and how farmers’ interests are protected.- Agriculture sector access: The party sought clarity on talk of opening India’s agriculture sector to American products, asking how the security and interests of Indian farmers have been ensured.
- Oil supply conditions: Trump’s announcement said PM Modi agreed to “stop buying Russian oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela.” Congress asked whether the government has formally accepted this condition.
- Buy American commitments: It also said according to the announcement, India would purchase over USD 500 billion of American goods, including energy, technology and agricultural products – raising questions in New Delhi about how this squares with the “Make in India” initiative.
In his post announcing the deal, Trump wrote: “It was an Honor to speak with Prime Minister Modi… He agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela… effective immediately, we agreed to a Trade Deal between the United States and India… whereby the United States will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25% to 18%… They will likewise move forward to reduce their Tariffs and Non Tariff Barriers against the United States, to ZERO.”Responding to Trump’s announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the US President, saying he was “delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%” and that stronger cooperation between the two democracies would benefit their people.Congress leaders have also questioned why key aspects of the trade deal were publicly disclosed from Washington, rather than jointly announced by both governments, and called for full disclosure of the agreement’s terms to lawmakers and the public.The government has not yet issued a comprehensive official statement detailing the full terms of the agreement beyond what was shared by Trump and acknowledged by PM Modi.
