Commerce Minister Details India-US Trade Agreement in Parliament Amid Opposition Protests
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal addressed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday during the ongoing Budget Session, providing comprehensive details about the recently finalized India-US trade deal. His statement came amidst significant disruption in the lower house, with opposition members engaging in sloganeering over procedural issues.
Protection for Sensitive Sectors and Tariff Reductions
Minister Goyal emphasized that the agreement provides complete protection for India's sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture and dairy. "During the discussions, the Indian side was successful in safeguarding the interests of its sensitive sectors, especially agriculture and dairy," Goyal told Parliament members.
The minister revealed that US tariffs for Indian goods will be reduced to 18 percent, a significant decrease from the previous 50 percent rate. "The tariff on India is among the lowest compared to its competitors," Goyal stated, highlighting the competitive advantage this reduction provides for Indian exporters.
Broader Economic Benefits and Implementation Timeline
Goyal outlined several key benefits expected from the trade agreement:
- Major boost for labor-intensive sectors through increased exports
- Enhanced opportunities for skilled Indian professionals
- Significant advantages for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
- Support for government initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Design in India'
- Contribution to India's self-reliance goals
The minister confirmed that both countries are currently working to complete technical processes, with an official announcement expected soon. He also noted that the deal addresses India's needs in critical sectors like aviation and nuclear technology, where the United States plays a major role.
Political Controversy and Opposition Response
The parliamentary session witnessed heated exchanges as opposition members protested what they called the "disallowing" of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi from speaking. The controversy centered around Gandhi's insistence on quoting from an article referencing former Army chief MM Naravane's unpublished memoir.
In response to the trade deal announcement, Rahul Gandhi launched a strong critique of the government's approach. "We need to understand why a trade deal stuck for about four months was suddenly finalised last evening," Gandhi stated, suggesting that "there was huge pressure on Prime Minister Modi" from the United States.
The Congress leader made serious allegations, claiming that "Prime Minister Modi has been compromised" and that Indian farmers' hard work had been "sold out" through the agreement. He further asserted that this marked the first time in parliamentary history that a Leader of Opposition had been prevented from speaking on the president's address.
Government's Defense and Strategic Importance
Minister Goyal defended the agreement vigorously, describing it as being "in the national interest of India." He emphasized that the negotiations, which spanned approximately one year, successfully balanced India's economic interests with necessary protections for vulnerable sectors.
The commerce minister also highlighted how the agreement supports India's energy security priorities while creating export opportunities that align with the country's economic development goals. The detailed finalization of various sectors within the bilateral trade agreement represents what Goyal characterized as a carefully negotiated outcome benefiting multiple segments of the Indian economy.
