India’s opposition has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the announcement of a new trade deal with the United States. The Congress party said the government has not disclosed the deal’s full terms and warned it could hurt farmers and domestic industry. The deal, revealed by President Donald Trump, includes reducing US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 percent.
Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement.
When two large economies and the…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 2, 2026
Congress urged the government to take Parliament and the public “into confidence” on the agreement. Party officials expressed concern that lowering trade barriers could expose Indian farmers and small traders to increased competition. Social media statements described the deal as risky and questioned whether safeguards were included for vulnerable sectors.
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Just like the ceasefire, the announcement of the trade deal was also made by US President Trump. It has been stated that the trade deal is being done ‘on Modi’s request’.
• Trump says that India will move to reduce tariff and non tariff barriers against the United States to…
— Congress (@INCIndia) February 3, 2026
US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the deal would expand American farm exports to India, fueling opposition concerns. Congress members argued that Modi had previously promised not to compromise Indian farmers’ interests. Analysts note that India may also shift from Russian crude imports, potentially sourcing oil from the US or Venezuela.
The government has not publicly released detailed timelines, enforcement mechanisms, or the full text of the agreement. Reuters reported that any shift away from Russian oil would likely require a gradual wind-down period to honor existing contracts. Opposition voices described the deal as a potential threat to India’s economic sovereignty.
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India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defended the agreement, saying it will strengthen “Make in India,” boost jobs, innovation, and economic growth. He emphasized that deeper ties with the US are intended to support long-term development, despite opposition criticism.