Randeep Surjewala, Piyush Goyal NEW DELHI: Opposition leaders on Saturday criticised the India-US Interim Trade Agreement framework, accusing the government of compromising India’s interests and raising concerns over its impact on farmers, tariffs, and oil imports.Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala warned that the agreement could harm farmers and rural livelihoods. He said, “A blow has been delivered to the stomachs of India’s 720 million farmers. Work has been done to snatch away the livelihood of India’s 720 million food providers, farm labourers, and farmers.”He also raised concerns over agricultural imports from the US. “US corn, US soybeans, US sorghum (jowar), US walnuts, almonds, pistachios, fresh fruits like apples and oranges, processed fruits, and other ‘additional’ agricultural products will all flood the Indian market,” he said.Surjewala questioned the government on possible impacts. “We are already importing $334 million worth of cotton from the US, which has caused cotton prices for Indian farmers to crash. Now, with corn, cotton, sorghum, fruits, processed fruits, and soybeans coming from the US, I ask PM Modi and Piyush Goyal: what will happen to India’s farmers? Where will they go?” he said.Congress leader Pawan Khera also attacked the government over the India-US Interim Trade Agreement, questioning what he called a shift in India’s diplomatic posture. “Where is the India which used to look Nixon, George Bush and Obama in the eye and forge practical relations?” he asked. Khera alleged that the interests of ordinary Indians were being undermined, saying, “This is not an agreement with the US, but a compromise with our self-respect.” He said those projecting the framework as a success were aware of its implications. “This is not a deal, but a surrender,” he said, adding that the opposition was being stopped from raising these issues in Parliament because the government feared scrutiny over the terms of the agreement.RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha also criticised the tariff changes and accused the government of misleading the public. “On most things, our tariff, in the worst of times and the best of times, was 2.9%. Through threats, it was raised to 50%. Then it was reduced to 18%. Is this something to celebrate? Aren’t you misleading the entire nation?” he said.He warned that the deal could lead to public anger once its full impact is known. “When this takes further shape and comes to the forefront, there will be unrest on the streets,” Jha said.On Saturday, India and the US announced a framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade, as part of broader negotiations on a Bilateral Trade Agreement.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. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. 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 MediaVideosPiyush Goyal Says Agriculture Is Self Reliant Sector As India Refuses Farm Import Benefits To USFrom Design To Silicon, India Signals Semiconductor Breakout With Semicon 2.0 RoadmapMP Minister Vijay Shah Finally Apologises For Comment Targeting Op Sindoor Face Col Sofia QureshiTurkey Sides With Pakistan On Kashmir At UN After Sharif’s Rhetoric On India’s ‘Integral’ Territory’Home-Grown Ills’: Islamabad Mosque Blast Triggers Blame Game As India Rejects Pakistan’s BlameEx-US Official Raymond Vickery Says India Outsmarted Donald Trump Chaos By Sticking To Trade ProcessEx-US Official Raymond Vickery Backs India Red Line On Russian Oil As US Trade Deal Drops MentionIndia-US Trade Deal Explained: What The White House Says On Tariffs, Markets And Tech ShiftsPM Modi Calls India-US Trade Pact Framework Great News For Jobs, Make In India And Exports’We Were Preparing For War’: Former DGMO Reveals Inside Story Of India-China Doklam Stand-Off123PhotostoriesMumbai prepares for faster commute as WEH-BKC connector enters final stageTop 10 iconic Japanese fast foods you need to try at least once7 must-try winter street foods in ChandigarhUpcoming OTT releases for this week: ‘Kohrra Season 2’, ‘The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4,’ and moreTop luxury trekking motorbikes in 2026: Premium rides for rugged adventuresIndia’s major snow-fed rivers: Waterways that have shaped India’s landscape7 irresistible mutton dishes from Jammu and Kashmir that are a must-try in winterWhat happens if the builder does not follow the RERA order?5 national parks in India that are a part of iconic elephant reserves9 things you should avoid buying on Saturday, according to tradition123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionGCC Unified Visa 2026Income Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingSuper Bowl TrophyCooper Kupp WifeKayla NicoleSuper Bowl LX TicketOliver RowlandJustin GaethjeLIV GolfLiam Paro vs Paddy Donovan Net WorthWinter Olympics 2026NBA Trade Update
NEW DELHI: Opposition leaders on Saturday criticised the India-US Interim Trade Agreement framework, accusing the government of compromising India’s interests and raising concerns over its impact on farmers, tariffs, and oil imports.Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala warned that the agreement could harm farmers and rural livelihoods. He said, “A blow has been delivered to the stomachs of India’s 720 million farmers. Work has been done to snatch away the livelihood of India’s 720 million food providers, farm labourers, and farmers.”He also raised concerns over agricultural imports from the US. “US corn, US soybeans, US sorghum (jowar), US walnuts, almonds, pistachios, fresh fruits like apples and oranges, processed fruits, and other ‘additional’ agricultural products will all flood the Indian market,” he said.Surjewala questioned the government on possible impacts. “We are already importing $334 million worth of cotton from the US, which has caused cotton prices for Indian farmers to crash. Now, with corn, cotton, sorghum, fruits, processed fruits, and soybeans coming from the US, I ask PM Modi and Piyush Goyal: what will happen to India’s farmers? Where will they go?” he said.Congress leader Pawan Khera also attacked the government over the India-US Interim Trade Agreement, questioning what he called a shift in India’s diplomatic posture. “Where is the India which used to look Nixon, George Bush and Obama in the eye and forge practical relations?” he asked. Khera alleged that the interests of ordinary Indians were being undermined, saying, “This is not an agreement with the US, but a compromise with our self-respect.” He said those projecting the framework as a success were aware of its implications. “This is not a deal, but a surrender,” he said, adding that the opposition was being stopped from raising these issues in Parliament because the government feared scrutiny over the terms of the agreement.RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha also criticised the tariff changes and accused the government of misleading the public. “On most things, our tariff, in the worst of times and the best of times, was 2.9%. Through threats, it was raised to 50%. Then it was reduced to 18%. Is this something to celebrate? Aren’t you misleading the entire nation?” he said.He warned that the deal could lead to public anger once its full impact is known. “When this takes further shape and comes to the forefront, there will be unrest on the streets,” Jha said.On Saturday, India and the US announced a framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade, as part of broader negotiations on a Bilateral Trade Agreement.
