Rahul Gandhi has alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will succumb to the pressure of US tariffs. A deadlock persists on the trade agreement between India and the US, and the deadline is approaching.
Trade Deal: Opposition's sharp stance on the US-India trade dispute. The ongoing deadlock regarding the trade agreement between India and the US has now taken a political turn. Opposition leader and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has directly attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He claims that as the tariff deadline set by Trump nears, the Modi government will be forced to yield.
'It will be a surrender, not a negotiation': Rahul Gandhi's tweet
Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "No matter how much Piyush Goyal boasts, Modi will bow to Trump's tariffs. Mark my words." Rahul's statement has raised questions about the BJP government's foreign policy and trade strategy.
Trade agreement deadline approaching
The US had announced the imposition of reciprocal tariffs on India, under which a 26 percent duty was to be levied on Indian products. However, this was postponed for 90 days. This deadline is now expiring on July 9th. In such a situation, no concrete agreement has been reached between the two countries.
Piyush Goyal's response: India's interests are paramount
Union Minister Piyush Goyal had recently stated at a trade event that India would only enter into a trade agreement when its interests were fully protected. He clarified that India would not make any concessions in the agriculture and dairy sectors. He said that India would not make any decisions based on pressure or deadlines.
Trump's warning and the statement of the 'Tariff King'
Donald Trump had called India the "Tariff King" in April and alleged that India imposes excessive duties on American goods. Trump had also said that if India did not reduce taxes, the US would impose a 26 percent tariff. The final deadline for this tariff is now expiring.
Key issues in the India-US trade deadlock
There are several reasons behind the lack of agreement on the trade deal. India has refused to reduce tariffs on American agricultural products like corn and soybeans. Also, no concessions have been given in the dairy sector, keeping in mind the livelihood of more than 80 million people associated with the dairy industry in India.
On the other hand, India wants the US to provide greater access to Indian products in sectors like textiles, jewelry, leather, and chemicals. But the US is demanding that India open its agricultural markets for this.
