
New Delhi, 07 February (H.S.): Congress lambasted the India-US interim trade framework on Saturday as profoundly detrimental, cautioning it would transform India into America's dumping ground, inflicting severe repercussions on farmers and the broader economy.
At a press briefing at party headquarters, media department chairman Pawan Khera highlighted America's status as India's largest trade surplus partner, nurtured over decades through robust exports bolstering self-reliance—now imperiled by the pact's mandate for India to treble imports to $500 billion over five years, eroding Atmanirbhar Bharat without government clarity on procured items.
Khera faulted Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's conference for delineating exclusions sans specifics on inflows, predicting American agribusinesses would flood markets, shattering domestic farmers.
From 3% to 50% Tariffs, Now 18%: No Real Gains
Khera contended India secured concessions nowhere, with tariffs escalated from 3% to 50% then pared to 18%—rebranded triumphantly despite net losses. He alleged US statements signal surveillance on Russian oil purchases, risking renewed penalties, compromising national interests for illusory victories.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar