India and the US are set to finalise the legal text of their interim trade deal this month, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal indicating that the agreement could be signed by March and implemented in April.
Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala has criticized the India-US interim trade deal, alleging it harms farmers, weakens energy security, and compromises digital freedom. He questioned tariff reductions, data privacy concerns, and whether the agreement undermines the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The MEA clarified that recent U.S. revisions to a White House factsheet on the interim India-U.S. trade deal now align with the February 7 joint statement. Controversial references to agriculture and $500 billion investments were removed following concerns.
In the earlier version of the White House fact sheet released on Tuesday, “certain pulses” were specifically listed among US agricultural products on which India would eliminate or reduce tariffs.
Akhilesh Yadav criticises the Centre over the US trade deal, budget transparency, and development priorities. Raising questions on social justice, infrastructure, and governance, the SP chief demands accountability and a full parliamentary debate on policies affecting the nation.
Parliament resumes at 11 am after a turbulent week of repeated disruptions triggered by protests over the India–US trade agreement and references to the Galwan clash book by former Army chief MM Naravane.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi sharply criticized US President Donald Trump’s warning of tariffs on India for buying Russian oil. Addressing a rally in Karimnagar, he questioned whether India’s policies were being dictated from Washington and accused the Centre of failing to defend national sovereignty.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal clarified India’s position on Russian oil imports and the U.S. trade deal, stressing national interest, farmer protection, selective tariff concessions, and economic benefits while dismissing opposition criticism and highlighting optimism across sectors.
India’s interim trade deal with the U.S. protects key farm sectors while allowing selective agricultural imports. Cheaper DDGS and sorghum may benefit livestock producers but could pressure soyabean farmers and domestic processors, highlighting both opportunities and risks in the evolving trade relationship.
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