Rahul Gandhi strongly criticized the US-India trade agreement, emphasizing India’s data protection and national sovereignty concerns.
The heated debate over the trade agreement between India and the United States always draws attention, especially when it involves Rahul Gandhi. In a parliamentary session, he outlined how the INDIA alliance would negotiate with Donald Trump, emphasizing the importance of India’s data and national sovereignty. His criticism comes amid reports of rising US tariffs on India.
Here, Net 4 India News will cover the latest political developments, trade issues, and current social dynamics in India.
US Tariffs Surge and the India-US Trade Agreement
According to reports, US tariffs on India have increased sixfold, reaching 18%. This development has become a major point of concern, especially after India concluded a temporary trade agreement with the US in early February. The agreement reportedly reduced reciprocal tariffs from 25% to 18%, while also removing an additional 25% tariff imposed due to India’s purchase of Russian oil.
Rahul Gandhi strongly criticized the trade deal, expressing regret over how the current Indian government has handed over control of critical national assets. In his view, the agreement does not reflect a strong bargaining position for India; on the contrary, it puts the country at a disadvantage.
His criticism also highlights the impact of the agreement on India’s domestic industries. Rahul Gandhi accused the deal of opening the door for US products to flood the Indian market, harming local farmers and the already stressed textile industry. This underscores concerns over India’s economic sovereignty.
Negotiation Strategy of the INDIA Alliance
Rahul Gandhi outlined how the INDIA bloc would approach negotiations with Donald Trump differently. According to him, the most important point in the negotiation is India’s data. He stated, “If we negotiate with President Trump, we will say that India’s data is our most valuable asset and the key to protecting the dollar.”
He elaborated on three main conditions the INDIA alliance would present:
- Equal Partnership: The US must treat India as an equal partner, not a subordinate. This reflects a demand for respect and recognition of India’s position on the global stage, affirming sovereignty in every negotiation.
- Energy Security: Rahul Gandhi emphasized that India’s energy security is non-negotiable. “Our energy security is our energy security. Whatever happens, we will protect it,” he said, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding India’s strategic interests.
- Farmer Protection: While acknowledging the US need to protect its farmers, India will also protect its own. “We understand you have an agricultural voter base… but we will also protect our farmers,” he asserted, highlighting the need to balance national interests.
Also Read: The Secret Behind India’s Digital Revolution That’s Shaking the World!
Threats to India’s Data and Digital Sovereignty
Rahul Gandhi accused the Indian government of ceding control over digital trade regulations in the US trade agreement. He claimed the deal eliminated data localization requirements, allowing free flow of data to the US and limiting digital taxation.
He also highlighted other crucial points in the agreement, such as no obligation to disclose source code and a proposed “20-year tax holiday” for large tech companies. In his view, this is a serious compromise of India’s digital sovereignty.
Rahul Gandhi stressed that data is the new power in the 21st century, which can make India a global powerhouse. By giving up control over data, the current government has endangered India’s future and undermined its transformative potential.
Accusations of “Selling India”
Rahul Gandhi bluntly accused the Indian government of “selling India,” even “selling Bharat Mata” (Mother India) through what he described as a one-sided US-India trade agreement detrimental to farmers. He expressed deep disappointment over the compromises made by the government.
“You have sold India. Aren’t you ashamed of selling India? You have sold our mother, Bharat Mata,” he said, referring to the trade deal. This accusation reflects the serious impact the agreement is perceived to have, especially on the agricultural sector.
In the budget debate, he stated that farmers’ interests had been compromised, allowing US agricultural products to flood the Indian market. According to Rahul Gandhi, this constitutes a betrayal of the people and India’s economic sovereignty, a claim that has sparked intense political debate.
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Image Source:
- First Image from: economictimes.indiatimes.com
- Second Image from: whalesbook.com