'Betraying farmers' vs 'spreading lies': Rahul Gandhi, Amit Shah clash over India–US deal
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Rahul Gandhi and Amit Shah have engaged in a heated political clash over India’s recent trade deals with the United States. Rahul Gandhi, the Lok Sabha leader of the opposition, has accused Prime Minister Modi’s government of “betraying farmers” through the India-US trade agreement. He raised several pointed questions about the potential implications of importing genetically modified (GM) crops and other agricultural products, expressing concerns over the long-term impact on Indian farmers and the dairy industry. Rahul emphasized that farmers deserve clarity on how these deals will affect their livelihoods and whether they could lead to increased dependence on foreign agricultural industries.
On the other hand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah fired back at Rahul, dismissing his claims as “laughable lies” aimed at misleading rural voters. Shah asserted that the trade agreements with the US, European Union, and the UK have been carefully negotiated to protect India’s agricultural interests while expanding its global trade footprint. He challenged Rahul Gandhi to debate the issue publicly, confident in his stance that these deals do not harm farmers but rather strengthen India’s position in international markets.
The clash between the two leaders highlights the ongoing tensions within Indian politics over foreign relations and economic policy. Rahul’s questions reflect broader concerns among farmers and agricultural communities about the potential risks of opening up India’s market to imported GM crops and other products. Meanwhile, Amit Shah’s aggressive defense of the trade deals underscores the government’s commitment to expanding international trade while maintaining safeguards for domestic agriculture.
This issue is significant not only for India but also globally
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/15/2026