In a dramatic turn of events following the announcement of a trade deal between India and the United States, the Congress party has launched a scathing attack on the Modi government, invoking the iconic villain Mogambo from the Bollywood classic "Mr. India". The opposition party's reaction comes after US President Donald Trump revealed the details of the agreement, which includes a reduction in US tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to social media to express his discontent, suggesting that Prime Minister Modi had "capitulated" and that India was learning about its own government's actions primarily through the United States. Drawing a parallel from the 1987 film, Ramesh quipped, "In Washington clearly Mogambo Khush Hai," implying that the US was the primary beneficiary of the deal. This remark references the famous dialogue of the villain Mogambo, played by Amrish Puri, who exclaims "Mogambo Khush Hua" (Mogambo is pleased) when his evil plans succeed.
The deal, announced by President Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social, states that the United States will lower its reciprocal tariff on Indian goods from 25% to 18%. Trump also claimed that India would reduce its tariffs and non-tariff barriers against the United States to zero. Furthermore, he stated that Prime Minister Modi had committed to buying significantly more American products, including energy, technology, and agricultural goods.
Prime Minister Modi confirmed the tariff reduction in a post on X, expressing his delight that "Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%". He also thanked President Trump for the announcement, stating that the partnership between the two countries would unlock immense opportunities.
The Congress party's criticism extends beyond the terms of the agreement itself. Ramesh questioned why the news of the deal was first revealed by the US President, suggesting a lack of diplomatic autonomy on India's part. He implied that Trump holds considerable leverage over Modi, highlighting a pattern of India learning about its own government's actions from US sources.
Conversely, the announcement has been met with praise from leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the deal as "historic," stating that it would strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations. BJP President Nitin Nabin commended Prime Minister Modi's leadership, adding that the deal would boost the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and "Make in India" campaigns. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described the agreement as a "win-win" for both countries.
The India-US trade relationship has experienced a rollercoaster ride in recent years, marked by escalating tariffs and trade tensions. In April 2025, the US imposed a 26% "reciprocal tariff" on several Indian imports. This was followed by a period of negotiations and temporary pauses. In August 2025, the US further increased the pressure by levying a 25% tariff on all Indian goods, linking it to India's continued purchase of Russian oil.
The current agreement signifies a de-escalation of these tensions, with the US lowering its tariff rate to 18% and removing the additional penalty for oil purchases. While the Indian government has confirmed the tariff reduction, details regarding the commitment to halt Russian oil imports and eliminate tariffs on American goods remain unclear.