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Is the New India-US Trade Agreement a Win for India? Priyanka Chaturvedi Weighs In

Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has expressed concerns regarding the recently announced trade agreement between India and the United States. While she acknowledges the deal as a significant achievement for the US, she questions its benefits for India, highlighting that it appears to favor US interests. Chaturvedi emphasizes the need for transparency and discusses the implications of reduced tariffs and market access for Indian goods. As the ruling BJP celebrates the agreement, opposition leaders call for a closer examination of its terms. Read on to discover more about this pivotal trade deal.
 

Priyanka Chaturvedi's Take on the India-US Trade Deal


New Delhi: On Tuesday, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed a measured view regarding the newly announced trade agreement between India and the United States. She noted that while this deal represents a significant milestone for the US, it may not be entirely advantageous for India in its current state.


Chaturvedi commented that the agreement seems to heavily favor the US, particularly regarding its access to the Indian market.


In her remarks to a news outlet, she stated, "Aside from the reduction in tariffs, there doesn't seem to be any other leverage for India in this deal. It currently does not appear to be a mutually beneficial arrangement; rather, it seems the US has gained substantial access to India's market."


She elaborated on the details shared by US President Donald Trump, indicating that crucial elements of the agreement have yet to be officially disclosed in India.


Chaturvedi remarked, "This is a landmark deal for the US. President Trump's announcement highlights several key points, although the complete details are not yet available in our country. From his tweets, it is evident that tariffs on Indian goods, which were previously at 50%, have been lowered to 18%. Furthermore, non-tariff barriers for Indian products have been eliminated, allowing for greater access to the US market for Indian goods."


She also referenced additional claims made by the US President on social media, stating, "He mentioned that India did not purchase Russian oil. I am quoting from his tweet. A peace agreement was established, which also served US interests. They are indicating that India will open its market in the agriculture and coal sectors as well."


Chaturvedi's comments come in the wake of strong support for the trade agreement from the ruling BJP, which has hailed the deal as a historic accomplishment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Conversely, opposition leaders are calling for increased transparency.


The trade agreement was finalized on Monday following a phone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump. As part of the deal, the US has reduced tariffs on Indian goods to 18%, while India has agreed to relax certain trade restrictions on American products.


Prime Minister Modi welcomed this development, asserting that the lowered tariffs on 'Made in India' products would create new global opportunities and enhance cooperation between the two largest democracies in the world.