Congress Criticizes Modi Government Amid U.S. Trade Talks
As U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer visits India, the Congress party is urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rethink his approach to trade agreements, particularly with President Donald Trump. On June 23, 2026, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh expressed concerns, suggesting that India should not be pressured into signing any trade pact that might harm its interests.
Ramesh highlighted that Modi should look to Malaysia, which recently walked away from a trade deal with the U.S. following a Supreme Court ruling in the U.S. He pointed out that the U.S. had earlier promised to cut tariffs on Indian exports from 25% to 18%, while India committed to reduce its tariffs on U.S. agricultural and industrial products, totaling a potential purchase of $500 billion over five years. However, he noted that these promises seemed to vanish overnight after the court ruling on February 20, 2026.
“Just hours after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision, a temporary 10% tariff was imposed on all trading partners, including India. The basis for this tariff will expire soon, leaving uncertainty in its wake,” Ramesh said. He also pointed out that nearly 60 countries, including India, are currently under investigation by the U.S. for unfair trade practices. He expressed worry that this investigation may pressure India into a problematic agreement.
Ramesh warned that if signed, such an agreement would significantly affect Indian farmers from states like J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. He criticized the U.S. for making minimal commitments while expecting India to triple its imports from them. He compared this potential agreement to being “a steal” rather than an equitable deal.
“Despite existing trade agreements with Japan and the EU, the U.S. has threatened increased tariffs. What assurance do we have that tariffs won’t be imposed later?” he questioned.
Ramesh concluded with a direct appeal, saying, “There is no need for India to be pushed into signing a deal that clearly goes against our interests.” He called on Prime Minister Modi to stand firm against what he characterized as unwarranted pressure from President Trump.
Greer’s visit to India is part of ongoing discussions to advance an interim trade deal initially agreed upon by Modi and Trump earlier this year during a G-7 summit in France, where the two leaders discussed finalizing the agreement.
