New Delhi, 03 February (H.S.): On Tuesday, opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha created a tumultuous scene over the India-US trade deal, demanding discussion before staging a walkout from the House.

Leader of the House and Union Minister JP Nadda assured that the Central government would soon issue a comprehensive statement covering all aspects of the deal and expressed readiness for debate.

Post-zer hour, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh raised the issue, accusing authorities of relaying trade deal information from Washington to India rather than briefing Parliament directly.

Opposition members questioned multiple facets, including claims of opening the agriculture sector, demands to nullify tariffs, and potential curbs on Russian oil purchases.

Targeting the opposition—particularly Congress—Nadda criticized their approach to demanding discussion as irresponsible and antithetical to democratic norms. He cautioned that sloganeering and disruptions posed a threat to democracy, especially when the government volunteered full disclosure in the House.

Nadda highlighted that US President Donald Trump had disclosed tariff reductions via social media, following consultations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Government sources clarified that the US reduced reciprocal tariffs on India from 25 percent to 18 percent after talks with Prime Minister Modi, aiming for further cuts—potentially to zero—in the future. The agreement, effective immediately, eases access for 'Made in India' products into US markets while addressing longstanding hurdles like farm goods and energy imports. This development follows months of negotiations, marking a pivotal shift from prior tariff standoffs.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar