Parliament witnesses heated debate as Rahul Gandhi criticises India–US trade pact; government rejects claims, says farmer interests remain protected.

Tensions ran high in Parliament following debate over the recently announced interim India–US trade agreement. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the pact, alleging it could expose Indian farmers to unfair competition and rising input pressures. His remarks triggered strong protests from the treasury benches, with the government rejecting the claims as misleading.

The agreement, announced on February 8, provides zero-tariff access for select Indian exports such as spices, tea and mangoes, while retaining safeguards for what have been described as sensitive domestic sectors including wheat, dairy and pulses. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal countered Gandhi’s criticism, asserting that farmer interests remain protected and highlighting export opportunities for products such as basmati rice and cotton.

The confrontation escalated further when BJP MP Nishikant Dubey submitted a motion on February 12 seeking action against Gandhi, alleging his comments were damaging to national interests. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is expected to examine the matter before deciding on any procedural steps.

Political observers note that trade policy debates often intensify during election cycles, particularly when agriculture is involved. For farmers, clarity on implementation details will be key to assessing real impact rather than rhetoric. As discussions continue, the broader question remains whether the pact strengthens export prospects without unsettling domestic producers.