Jairam Ramesh Calls for PM Modi’s Clarity in Parliament As US Inks Trade Deal With Indonesia

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh Wednesday emphasised the need for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address certain issues clearly in Parliament, particularly US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Parliament’s Monsoon session resumes on July 21.

Taking to handle X, Ramesh said: “Today the score stands at 66 days, 23 reiterations. Parliament will resume from July 21st. The score will no doubt change before then. But the PM has to answer clearly in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The nation wants to know.”

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Ramesh’s assumption comes in the backdrop of US President Trump’s statement on Wednesday (India time) stating that India is working on a trade deal along the same lines as the one he announced with Indonesia, which will provide the US with greater access to the Indian market.

Trump made this remark after inking a trade deal with Indonesia under which the Southeast Asian country pays a 19 per cent tariff on goods exported to the US, while US exports to Indonesia are tariff-free.

“We made a deal with Indonesia. I spoke to their really great president…and we made the deal,” Trump said, highlighting the significance of the deal.

Trump suggested India is “working along the same line” as Indonesia regarding US trade deals.

Jairam Ramesh has been critical of PM Modi’s speeches in Parliament, accusing him of diverting attention from pressing issues like the India-China border situation, communal tensions, and economic conditions.