Mallikaarjun Kharge asks government to explain India-US trade deal.
Mallikarjun Kharge Demands Clarity on India-US Trade Deal
Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday questioned the government over the lack of clarity surrounding the recently announced India-United States trade deal, saying citizens have a right to know the full details of the agreement.
Mallikarjun Kharge Demands for Disclosure in Parliament
Raising the issue in Parliament, Kharge asked why the government was reluctant to place the complete terms of the trade deal before lawmakers. He said major international trade agreements have long-term implications for the economy, employment and domestic industries, and cannot be treated as confidential executive decisions.
Kharge specifically sought clarity on tariff concessions, market access commitments and whether Parliament would be given an opportunity to debate or scrutinise the agreement before its implementation.
Concerns Over Sensitive Sectors
The Congress leader flagged concerns about the potential impact on sensitive sectors such as agriculture, dairy, small manufacturers and micro enterprises. He questioned whether adequate safeguards were in place to protect farmers and small producers from import competition and price volatility.
Kharge said repeated assurances without details were insufficient, adding that transparency was essential to build public confidence and avoid misinformation around the deal’s implications.
Government’s Response
In response, government representatives said negotiations with the US were still ongoing and that details would be shared once discussions were concluded. The Centre maintained that India’s core interests had not been compromised and that the agreement was aimed at boosting exports, investment and overall economic growth.
Ruling party members also argued that tariff relief secured for Indian exporters would strengthen manufacturing and job creation.
