New Delhi
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, sharply criticized the government over a recent India-US trade deal. He claimed it was like “selling Bharat Mata” and accused the government of surrendering India’s energy security and farmers’ interests.
During a Lok Sabha budget debate, Gandhi suggested that no prime minister, including Narendra Modi, would agree to such a deal without significant pressure. He compared the situation to a martial arts chokehold, implying that tight control forced unwanted concessions.
Gandhi pointed out that while leaders claimed we’re moving beyond war, conflicts continue globally. He mentioned crises in regions like Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran, arguing that in such times, protecting Indian citizens and their resources is vital.
He asserted that if the opposition alliance had negotiated the trade deal, they would have insisted on treating India as an equal partner. He emphasized the importance of Indian data, stating that if the US wants to safeguard its currency, it should recognize India’s digital assets without compromising sovereignty.
Gandhi claimed that under the new deal, India might lose control over its energy choices. He suggested that the agreement empowers the US to dictate where India can buy oil, with severe tariffs as penalties for non-compliance.
He directed sharp criticisms at the ruling government for allegedly letting America influence India’s finance and energy sectors. “Are you not ashamed of what you are giving away?” he asked.
Gandhi dismissed interruptions from ruling party members who challenged his assertions, expressing confidence in the accuracy of his claims. He argued this deal would devastate farmers and the textile industry, and relinquish control over energy security. “This is a wholesale surrender,” he insisted.
He described the agreement as a national tragedy, indicating it undermines the future of 1.5 billion Indians. He implied the prime minister made these concessions to protect the BJP’s interests, warning that the nation’s data, farmers, and small businesses were at risk.
On digital trade, Gandhi argued that the agreement relinquished control over regulations, compromising data localization and taxation for American tech firms. He stressed that India’s average tariffs surged from 3% to 18%, while US tariffs plummeted to zero, escalating US imports substantially.
This is an alarming situation for farmers, who, for the first time, face unprecedented challenges due to foreign competition. “You’ve opened the doors to mechanized American farms, harming our small farmers. This is disgraceful,” he said.
As Gandhi makes his case, social media buzzes with reactions. Many netizens express concerns about the implications of the trade deal on India’s sovereignty and agricultural sector, reflecting a growing unease among citizens about the influence of foreign powers on national policy.
In conclusion, Gandhi’s critique brings to light significant questions about India’s direction in the wake of this deal. As the global landscape shifts, preserving national interests while engaging in international agreements remains a critical challenge for India.
For more insights, you can check this report on international trade impacts which discusses how countries negotiate and maintain their interests in trade agreements.
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Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, government criticism, India-US interim trade deal, selling Bharat Mata, wholesale surrender, India
