India-US Trade Deal Criticism
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Feb 10, 2026 · Last updated Feb 10, 2026
The criticism of the India-United States Interim Trade Agreement by Mallikarjun Kharge suggests potential negative impacts on India's agricultural and textile sectors due to increased foreign competition and tariffs. The commitment to reduce Russia oil purchases could also affect global oil markets and India's energy security.
Mallikarjun Kharge, President of the India — Indian National Congress, criticized the India-United States Interim Trade Agreement, calling it a 'PR-wrapped betrayal.' He highlighted that a White House fact sheet, released on February 9, 2026, revealed conditions not present in the initial Indo-US Joint Statement of February 6, 2026. Key concerns include India's commitment to stop purchasing Russia oil as a condition for removing a 25% US tariff, which Kharge views as an erosion of India's sovereignty. He also alleged that pulses and genetically modified animal feed were silently added to the deal, potentially harming 2 crore dairy farmers and India's cattle population. Furthermore, Kharge criticized the 18% tariff on Indian textile imports while Bangladesh received zero-duty access for American cotton, putting Indian textile hubs like Tirupur and Surat at a disadvantage. He questioned whether the deal truly protects India's strategic and economic interests.
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