Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, has strongly criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s comments on the recent U.S.-India trade agreement, calling his narrative “fake” and “stage-managed.” Speaking to the media, Goyal rejected concerns raised by Gandhi about the deal’s potential impact on Indian farmers, asserting that the agreement is designed to protect domestic agricultural interests while opening up new avenues for growth.
Goyal’s remarks were reported by The Economic Times in an article titled, “Rahul Gandhi’s narrative is fake, stage-managed: Piyush Goyal on impact of US-India deal on farmers.” The Minister accused Gandhi of misleading the public and attempting to create a false sense of alarm by questioning the deal’s provisions and implications for agrarian communities.
According to Goyal, the trade pact with the United States concluded after careful consultation with stakeholders, including farmer organizations. He emphasized that the government remains committed to safeguarding the interests of farmers and ensuring that any international engagement supports their long-term welfare. Dismissing allegations of backdoor concessions, Goyal stated that India had not compromised on any key issues related to agriculture during the negotiation process.
Rahul Gandhi had earlier alleged that the trade deal would flood Indian markets with cheap agricultural imports, primarily benefiting American agribusinesses at the expense of local cultivators. He suggested that the agreement lacked transparency and could threaten livelihoods in the already-stressed agricultural sector.
In response, Goyal maintained that the agreement primarily addresses long-standing and unresolved trade barriers that have hampered the growth of Indian exports, particularly in areas like pharmaceuticals, manufactured goods, and certain agricultural products. He argued that the arrangement creates reciprocal opportunities rather than one-sided concessions.
The clash over the trade agreement adds to the intensifying political discourse around economic policy ahead of elections. While the opposition has questioned the Modi government’s handling of both domestic and international economic strategies, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has maintained that its track record reflects consistent support for farmers and the broader rural economy.
Economists and agricultural policy analysts have called for greater clarity from the government on the specific terms of the deal, particularly with respect to sensitive commodities and import duties. Transparency, they argue, is crucial to evaluating the potential impact on both producers and consumers.
As the debate over the U.S.-India trade deal continues to unfold, both sides appear committed to using the issue to define their broader economic visions. For now, the full details of the agreement remain under scrutiny, and its real impact on Indian farmers may only become clear with time.
