Jairam Ramesh questions timing of India-US trade deal, targets PM Modi

‎Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday mounted a strong criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning the circumstances under which the India-US trade agreement was announced allegedly compromising the national interests.

‎In a detailed post on X, Ramesh cited the remarks attributed to US President Donald Trump following a reported decision by the US Supreme Court striking down his tariffs policy. According to Ramesh, Trump described Modi as his “great friend”, said the India–US trade deal would proceed as announced, and claimed he had personally intervened to halt “Operation Sindoor” on May 10, 2025, by threatening higher tariffs on Indian exports.

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‎Ramesh also referred to a February 2, 2026 statement in which Trump announced the finalisation of the agreement, quoting him as saying that, “Out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi and, as per his request, effective immediately, we agreed to a trade deal between the United States and India…”

‎The Congress leader questioned the timing of the announcement, asking what had compelled the Prime Minister to have the deal declared late on February 2, 2026, Indian time.

Alleging political compulsion, Ramesh claimed that had the government “waited just 18 days more, Indian farmers would have been saved their agony and distress and Indian sovereignty would have been protected.”

‎Describing the pact in stark terms, he said the agreement amounted to an “ordeal” for India, arguing that it reflected “desperation and surrender” on the Prime Minister’s part.

‎The Congress has consistently voiced concerns about the trade deal’s potential impact on agriculture, small-scale industries, and domestic manufacturing, maintaining that negotiations should prioritise farmer welfare and protect India’s economic sovereignty.

‎The government, however, has defended the agreement as a step toward expanding bilateral trade, increasing exports, and strengthening strategic ties between New Delhi and Washington.

‎While the deal has been projected as a milestone in India–US economic cooperation, the political debate over its negotiation process and timing appears poised to intensify in the days ahead.