New Delhi

Congress MP Randeep Surjewala on Wednesday accused the Modi government of withholding crucial information on the India–US trade agreement from Parliament, alleging that the deal undermines India’s sovereignty and harms domestic interests.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Surjewala questioned why details of the agreement were reportedly available with the US Trade Representative while remaining undisclosed to Indian lawmakers and citizens.

He raised concerns over what he described as an unequal tariff structure, warning that a zero per cent duty on American goods alongside an 18 per cent tariff on Indian exports could adversely affect Indian farmers and key industries.

“Once again, the Modi government has violated parliamentary conventions by refusing to respond to serious questions about national sovereignty in the context of the India–US trade deal,” Surjewala said. Referring to statements made by the US Trade Representative and the White House Press Secretary, he added that if American authorities possess the full details of the agreement, there is no justification for denying the same information to the Indian Parliament and the public.

Questioning the fairness of the arrangement, he asked how a bilateral trade agreement could justify zero tariffs on US products while imposing higher duties on Indian goods.

Surjewala claimed that the deal reverses India’s long-standing trade policy, under which developing nations typically levy higher tariffs than developed economies. “If this policy has been abandoned, then this agreement is fundamentally unfair,” he said, adding that trade tariffs during the UPA government stood at around three per cent.

The Congress leader also expressed concern over the potential influx of American agricultural products into India. Citing statements from US officials, he said the agreement could involve purchases worth USD 500 billion, covering agriculture, energy, chemicals and other sectors.

Surjewala demanded clarity on how much of this amount would involve agricultural imports, over what time period such purchases would take place, and the likely impact on the livelihoods of Indian farmers. He pointed out that agricultural imports from the US have already risen from USD 1.74 billion to USD 2.85 billion over the past five years.

“If a substantial portion of the USD 500 billion includes agricultural products from the US, where will Indian farmers go?” he asked.

He further raised concerns about food certification and cultural sensitivities, claiming that certain US livestock-based products do not meet Indian standards. “These issues affect millions of Indians, especially those who follow specific dietary and cultural traditions. The government should have answered these questions,” he said.

Meanwhile, government sources indicated that India and the United States are likely to issue a joint statement on the trade agreement later this week. “We are in the final stages of detailing with the negotiating teams, and a joint statement is expected shortly,” a source said.

Responding to criticism, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently protected the interests of farmers and the dairy sector. He said sensitive areas of the Indian economy, particularly agriculture and dairy, have been safeguarded in the agreement.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Goyal said the deal would create significant opportunities for MSMEs, engineering, textiles, gems and jewellery, leather goods, and marine exports.

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“Prime Minister Modi has always championed agriculture and dairy, ensuring their protection and long-term growth. The sensitive sectors of India’s economy have been fully secured,” the minister said.