Congress Flags Concerns Over US Trade Deal
The Congress party has criticised the proposed India–United States trade agreement, alleging that certain provisions could affect agriculture, energy policy and data regulation frameworks if safeguards are not built into the final text.
Congress Criticism Of US Trade Deal
Party leaders said the draft framework risks exposing Indian farmers to increased competition from subsidised agricultural imports. They also argued that tariff reductions in sensitive sectors may disrupt domestic production systems and procurement mechanisms. The party called for wider parliamentary consultation before finalising commitments, stating that trade concessions must not weaken livelihood protections in rural sectors.
Energy Security And Market Access Concerns
The opposition raised concerns that energy-related clauses could influence India’s strategic procurement flexibility, particularly in sourcing oil and gas from multiple partners. According to the party, binding commitments in the agreement might affect the government’s ability to diversify suppliers during geopolitical disruptions. They emphasised that long-term energy security planning requires policy space rather than fixed external obligations.
Digital Autonomy And Data Regulations Debate
Congress also questioned potential provisions related to digital trade and cross-border data flows, warning that data localisation policies and regulatory independence could be impacted. The party said India should retain sovereign authority over digital infrastructure, taxation and platform regulation. It urged the government to clarify negotiation details and publish the draft framework to ensure transparency before ratification.
