Amidst heated parliamentary debates surrounding the recently finalized trade agreement between India and the United States, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has strongly refuted allegations that India's interests have been compromised. Rijiju's forceful response came after Rahul Gandhi, a leading opposition figure, accused the government of "selling India" through the terms of the deal.

Gandhi, speaking in the Lok Sabha during discussions on the Union Budget 2026-27, claimed the agreement was heavily skewed in favor of the U.S., jeopardizing the future of Indian farmers and compromising the nation's data. He argued that the deal would open doors for mechanized U.S. farms, creating unfair competition for local agricultural producers. Furthermore, Gandhi asserted that Indian data, a crucial asset in the age of artificial intelligence, was being conceded to the U.S.. He went so far as to suggest that the U.S. would now dictate India's oil purchase decisions, threatening tariffs as a form of punishment for non-compliance. Gandhi also highlighted a six-fold increase in US tariffs on Indian goods following the deal. Addressing President Trump, Gandhi stated that any negotiation should be done by treating both countries as equals.

Rijiju countered these claims with a firm declaration: "India is not for sale". He accused Gandhi of using national security matters as a political tool, a charge stemming from an ongoing dispute over references to the India-China conflict in 2020, cited from former Army chief General M.M. Naravane's unpublished memoir. Rijiju and other members of the ruling party have strongly objected to Gandhi's statements, leading to disruptions in Parliament.

The trade agreement has faced criticism, particularly concerning its potential impact on Indian farmers. Gandhi argued the agreement would hurt the interests of the farmers. Concerns have been raised about the level of access granted to U.S. agricultural products and the safeguards in place to protect local producers.

The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of broader global instability. Gandhi pointed to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, tensions in the Middle East, and the emergence of a multipolar world as factors challenging American supremacy and the dominance of the U.S. dollar. He emphasized the importance of data in the age of AI, stating that "the petrol for AI is data," and cautioned against ceding control over this vital resource.