No to New Zealand, EU but yes to US? Did India compromise agri, dairy sectors in trade deal with US? | India News

The India-US trade deal was confirmed by President Donald Trump and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal as their social media posts sparked controversy online. President Trump claimed that the trade deal paved the way for India’s agricultural sector for the US. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he discussed Trade and ending the war with Russia and Ukraine with Prime Minister Modi.

“The Prime Minister also committed to “PURCHASE AMERICAN” worth $500 BILLION in US Energy, Technology, Agriculture, Coal and many other products, as well as at a much higher level. Our great relationship with India will be even stronger in the future,” Trump said.

Responding to Trump’s tweet, Prime Minister Modi only confirmed a reduction in tariffs. However, Piyush Goyal hinted that farmers will benefit from the agreement.

Reacting to the US-India trade deal, Goyal said: “This agreement unlocks unprecedented opportunities for farmers, MSMEs, entrepreneurs and skilled workers to Make in India for the world, Design in India for the world and Innovate India for the world. It will help India get technology from the US. This is not just a trade deal, it is a historic milestone that will reshape India-US relations and accelerate our journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.”

India, in particular, has refused to open its agricultural and dairy products to the European Union and New Zealand respectively, citing the security of domestic markets. Now Congress is questioning the government’s decision to include agriculture in the trade deal.

“US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said that the products of American farmers will now be sold in the Indian market. This will bring money to rural America. The Indian market is extremely important for US farmers. Trump benefited American farmers through this agreement. This is extremely worrying for India. The statement of the US Secretary of Agriculture makes it clear that the Modi government entered into this agreement ignoring the interests of Indian farmers. This will hurt farmers in India. Indian farmers will now have to compete with American farmers. This is a direct question for which Narendra Modi must respond. “It is nothing but an attack: Why did he trade off the interests of Indian farmers?” Congress said in a social media post.

Congress MP KC Venugopal moved a Notice of Adjournment Motion in the Lok Sabha to discuss the India-US Trade Agreement. In the statement, Venugopal said, “Despite the significant economic, agricultural and strategic implications of these reported commitments, the Government has neither made an official statement nor taken Parliament into confidence. The country has the right to know the exact terms and conditions of the proposed trade agreement and it is imperative that the Government place full details before Parliament and the nation. Given the urgency and public importance of the matter, this matter requires immediate discussion through a Motion for Adjournment.” he said.

However, some media reports quoting government sources suggested that no concessions would be made in the agriculture and dairy sector. While details are awaited, all eyes are on the Indian government, which will share the terms of the agreement, which the US calls the ‘art of the deal’.