Kharge, Rahul to meet Congress leaders from five States, J&K on February 20 to plan strategy against India-U.S. trade deal

Seeking to increase pressure on the Narendra Modi Government regarding the interim Indo-US trade deal, the Congress has scheduled a meeting of leaders from five States and Union Territories with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on February 20 to chalk out its political strategy.

Leaders from Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir will meet Mr Gandhi and Mr Kharge to discuss the implications of the trade deal on farmers in these regions.

A source said the locations in question were shortlisted considering the agricultural produce, fruits and nuts grown there and the potential impact of the deal on them.

“We are already running a black campaign against the Modi Government to cancel MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act). Now we will add this too,” a senior Congress leader said, adding: “We will not leave the government alone on this deal.”

The party accused the government of “surrendering” the interests of India’s farmers, energy security and digital and data autonomy. To strengthen his stance, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Sachin Pilot and others will hold outreach programs and press conferences on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by the meeting between Mr. Kharge, Mr. Gandhi and State leaders.

Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala had said on Monday, February 17, 2026, “National interests cannot be mortgaged under the guise of a trade deal.”

He claimed that the February 6 framework agreement opened the door to duty-free imports of American agricultural and food products, which would “devastate” the livelihoods of millions of farmers.

It warned that imports of corn, sorghum, soybeans, cotton and processed food could pressure domestic prices.

He also said fruit and nut growers in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and other regions could face serious pressure if US products become duty-free.