Akhilesh Yadav Critiques India-US Trade Agreement Amid Concerns Over Agriculture
Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, has voiced strong objections to the India-US trade agreement, claiming it undermines local agriculture and religious practices. He argues that the deal represents a concession rather than a fair trade agreement, raising concerns about the import of American dairy products. The political landscape is tense as the government defends the agreement, asserting that it protects sensitive sectors. Yadav also calls for transparency regarding India's relations with China, emphasizing the need for discussions on national security. This article delves into the implications of the trade deal and the ongoing political discourse surrounding it.
| Feb 4, 2026, 12:53 IST
Akhilesh Yadav's Strong Criticism of the Central Government
The leader of the Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav, launched a sharp critique against the central government on Wednesday regarding a claim from the United States. This claim suggested that India might reduce tariffs on certain American goods to zero and could potentially purchase $500 billion worth of energy, technology, agricultural, and coal products from the US. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Yadav labeled the India-US trade agreement as a 'concession' and expressed concerns that the import of American dairy and agricultural products could hinder the ability of 'Sanatanis' to maintain their religious practices.
Concerns Over Domestic Impact
Yadav emphasized that the agreement with the US is not a genuine 'deal' but rather a 'concession.' He stated, 'We have handed over our entire market to them. Sanatanis need to consider how their religious observances will remain 'Sanatan' if dairy products are imported from there. This is a matter of concern. Where are the allies of the BJP who advocate for indigenous products? The nation wants to know more about this agreement.' The reduction of tariffs on Indian goods to 18% under the India-US trade agreement has sparked significant political controversy in the country.
Government's Defense of the Agreement
In response, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated on Tuesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently supported the agricultural and dairy production sectors, ensuring their interests are safeguarded. He also mentioned that the India-US trade agreement protects sensitive areas of India's economy, particularly agriculture and dairy production. Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav urged the central government to discuss relations with China in Parliament, referencing a magazine article that cited unpublished memoirs of former Army Chief General MM Naravane.
Call for Transparency on China Relations
Akhilesh Yadav remarked that the BJP often tries to avoid discussions on critical issues. He noted that when opposition leaders and other parties sought detailed information regarding China, the BJP retreated. 'We reiterate that decisions regarding our relations with China should always be made through discussions. National security, border security, and our relations, especially with China, have fluctuated over time. We have lost our territory. The country deserves to know what the armed forces have to say about this. We are not only losing land to China but also our market. A portion of the market was lost during previous governments, and some has been lost under the current administration,' he concluded.