'Abki baar Trump se haar': Congress targets Centre over Trump tariffs; slams India-US trade deal
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 22, 2026
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Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh has criticized the Indian government’s proposed interim trade agreement with the US, calling it a one-sided deal that prioritizes American interests over India’s. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to put the agreement on hold, or “in cold storage,” particularly regarding import liberalization clauses that would harm Indian farmers by reducing tariffs on US agricultural products. Ramesh’s comments come amid confusion following a US Supreme Court ruling that struck down President Trump’s global tariffs, raising questions about the timing and implications of the India-US deal.
Ramesh highlighted concerns over specific provisions in the agreement, such as eliminating or reducing tariffs on American food and agricultural goods, which he argued would directly impact farmers in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, and Maharashtra. He questioned why the government rushed to finalize the deal when it knew Trump’s tariffs could be overturned. Ramesh also accused the Modi government of using the trade agreement as a political move to counter criticism on external security failures, suggesting it was timed to divert attention.
The Congress leader announced plans to organize farmer consultations, including a “Maha Kisan Maha Chaupal” in several states, to mobilize support and discuss the potential fallout of the deal. He emphasized that the agreement unfairly favors US industries while undermining Indian farmers’ livelihoods. Ramesh’s criticism reflects broader concerns within India about the balance of power in trade negotiations with the US, particularly under Trump’s protectionist policies.
The situation is further complicated by the recent US Supreme Court ruling, which invalidated Trump’s broad tariff measures and raised questions about the legality and timing of
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/22/2026