India-US Trade Deal Sparks Mixed Reactions: A Historic Win or a Loss of Sovereignty?
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US President Joe Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump, announced a highly anticipated trade deal with India on Monday, marking a significant breakthrough in bilateral relations. The agreement aims to reduce tariffs and expand market access for Indian exports, while also promoting the purchase of American goods. According to sources, the deal was reached after a phone call between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ending nearly a year of tense negotiations. The agreement is expected to benefit Indian farmers, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs by providing them with access to advanced US technology. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal hailed the deal as a 'historic' breakthrough, saying it will accelerate India's journey towards 'Viksit Bharat 2047.' BJP leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, also welcomed the deal, citing its potential to redefine trade between the world's two largest democracies. However, Opposition leaders expressed concerns over the timing and implications of the agreement. Congress MP Hibi Eden questioned the delay in implementing the tariff cut, citing the negative impact on India's marine exports sector. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi raised concerns over the concessions made by India, stating that they did not seem to be a 'win-win' situation. Congress leader Udit Raj questioned whether India was ceding decision-making autonomy to Washington. The deal has sparked a debate over sovereignty and transparency, with Congress MP Jebi Mather calling for a parliamentary debate on the implications of the trade agreement for farmers, market security, and national interest. The NDA MPs, on the other hand, felicitated PM Modi for the agreement, hailing it as a significant achievement in India's foreign policy. As the country awaits the implementation of the trade deal, questions remain over its impact on India's economy and its relations with other global powers.
