New Delhi: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the government in the Lok Sabha, alleging that the India-US interim trade deal amounted to a “wholesale surrender” and compromised the country’s energy security, digital sovereignty and farmers’ interests.
Participating in the debate on the Union Budget, Gandhi claimed the government had “sold Bharat Mata” through the agreement. His remarks led to repeated interventions from the Chair and strong objections from members of the Treasury benches.
Opening his address with criticism of the Prime Minister, Gandhi argued that India was entering a volatile global phase marked by geopolitical realignment. Referring to the Economic Survey, he said the world order was shifting from a US-dominated unipolar system to a multipolar structure shaped by China and Russia. In this emerging environment, he contended, energy and finance were being “weaponised” and global instability was rising.
At the centre of this transformation, Gandhi said, was artificial intelligence (AI). He warned that AI could disrupt India’s software industry and threaten large numbers of engineering jobs. India’s advantage, he said, lay in the vast data generated by its population of 1.4 billion. However, he argued that discussing AI without securing control over data and energy resources was ineffective.
Turning specifically to the India-US deal, Gandhi alleged that the government had diluted data localisation norms, eased digital trade regulations, allowed freer flow of Indian data abroad, limited digital taxation measures and removed certain source code disclosure requirements. He also questioned changes in tariff structures and raised concerns about the impact on domestic manufacturing and agriculture.
Citing the textile sector, he claimed that industrial units in Haryana had expressed concern over tariff revisions. He further alleged that Indian farmers, particularly those growing maize, soybean and cotton, could face pressure due to increased access for mechanised American farm products.
Gandhi also criticised what he described as unequal negotiations, asserting that India should engage the United States as an equal power. He referred to reports of diplomatic engagements involving Pakistan and said India should resist any equivalence.
During his speech, Gandhi mentioned alleged references to Indian names in documents linked to the Epstein case in the United States, naming Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and businessman Anil Ambani. The Speaker repeatedly directed him not to level unverified allegations or name individuals without prior notice. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad objected, stating that serious accusations required authentication.
Gandhi said he was prepared to substantiate his claims and maintained that relevant documents were available with US authorities. The Chair instructed him to confine his remarks to the Budget discussion.
In response, Rijiju rejected the allegations, stating that no one could “sell the country” and asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was firmly safeguarding national interests. He criticised the Opposition for making what he described as baseless charges.
The heated exchange underscored deep divisions in Parliament over the India-US trade agreement and the broader direction of India’s economic and strategic policies.
