In a sharp critique of the newly finalized India-US trade deal, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of succumbing to American pressure and selling out Indian farmers. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister has compromised the interests of Indian farmers by allowing the sale of their "blood and sweat" through this agreement.
Gandhi's criticism came after he was reportedly not allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha, where he intended to quote from an article referencing former Army chief MM Naravane's unpublished memoir. He highlighted the unprecedented nature of a Leader of Opposition being prevented from speaking on the President's address.
"We need to understand why a trade deal stuck for about four months was suddenly finalized last evening," Gandhi stated, suggesting undue influence on the Prime Minister. He claimed that PM Modi is "compromised" and has "sold the country". He further alluded to the "Epstein Files" as a potential source of pressure on the Prime Minister, though he didn't elaborate on the connection.
The essence of Gandhi's objection lies in the perception that the trade deal favors the United States at the expense of Indian farmers. He argues that the agreement will open Indian markets to American agricultural products, potentially harming the livelihoods of local producers. This concern is amplified by the US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins' statement that the deal would increase American farm exports to India, boosting prices and injecting cash into rural America.
The Congress party echoed Gandhi's concerns, raising questions about the details of the deal and its implications for Indian industry, traders, and farmers. The party pointed out that the US would still have an 18% tariff on Indian goods, while India would allegedly charge 0% tariffs on American goods. The party questioned whether the Modi government had agreed to Trump's condition that India would no longer buy Russian oil.
Concerns are rising about the potential impact on India's dairy sector. A report by the State Bank of India (SBI) warned that opening the sector to US imports could lead to an annual loss of approximately ₹1.03 lakh crore for domestic dairy farmers. The report projects a substantial 15% drop in milk prices if the sector is exposed to US competition, disproportionately impacting smallholder farmers.
Conversely, India's Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal described the trade deal as a catalyst for “unprecedented opportunities” for farmers and MSMEs. He suggested it would position India to export competitive products globally and attract technology transfers. The government has also assured that the interests of farmers and key domestic sectors will remain protected. They emphasized that India's agriculture and dairy sectors will continue to be shielded from sweeping foreign access.
Despite government assurances, the opposition remains skeptical, demanding transparency and raising concerns about the potential adverse effects on Indian farmers and the domestic economy. Rahul Gandhi's strong words reflect the ongoing debate and the political sensitivity surrounding trade agreements and their impact on various sectors of the Indian economy.