Shashi Tharoor Calls for Clarity on India-US Trade Agreement
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has called for greater transparency regarding the India-US trade agreement, suggesting that while reducing tariffs on Indian goods to 18 percent could be beneficial, the government must clarify the details. He raised concerns about the implications for Indian farmers and questioned the adequacy of protective measures in agriculture. Tharoor's remarks come as Congress demands comprehensive information about the agreement, including its impact on tariffs and agricultural exports. The discussion highlights the need for clarity in trade negotiations and the potential effects on India's economy.
| Feb 3, 2026, 14:29 IST
Demand for Transparency in Trade Deal
On Tuesday, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor emphasized the need for clarity regarding the India-US trade agreement. He suggested that reducing tariffs on Indian goods to 18 percent could be a positive move, but the government must clarify the specifics of the deal. Under this agreement, tariffs on Indian products entering the US have been lowered to 18 percent, with Washington asserting that it will assist in boosting agricultural exports from New Delhi.
In a conversation with a news media outlet, Tharoor expressed his desire to understand the details of the agreement. He stated, 'The opposition is merely asking for clarity. We are unaware of what the agreement entails. We have tweets from Mr. Trump and Mr. Modi; is that sufficient in a parliamentary democracy? Shouldn't the Indian government inform the public about the contents of the agreement?' He raised concerns about the impact of the deal on Indian farmers and businesses, questioning what protective measures have been established for agriculture and whether India will need to alter its imports from other countries.
Tharoor further remarked, 'If Trump claims this is beneficial for agriculture, what safeguards are in place for Indian farmers? Trump is discussing a $500 billion deal, while our total import bill is $700 billion. Are we expected to stop purchasing from all other nations? If this is indeed good news, we would like to celebrate, but we need clarity.' Earlier in the day, Congress demanded comprehensive details about the India-US trade agreement, raising significant concerns about opening the agricultural sector, eliminating tariffs to 'zero,' and halting the purchase of Russian oil, as claimed by US President Donald Trump.
In a post on X, Congress questioned the manner in which the agreement was announced and scrutinized the details shared by Donald Trump. The party noted that eliminating tariffs and non-tariff barriers against the US would have an 'impact' on India and raised concerns about how opening the agricultural sector would ensure the safety of farmers.