The recent India-US trade deal, announced by President Donald Trump, has ignited fierce debate in India's Parliament, pitting the opposition against the Modi government over national interests and transparency.

Deal Announcement and Key Terms

US President Donald Trump revealed the agreement on February 2, 2026, after a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, slashing US reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25-50% to 18% effective immediately. In return, India pledged to cut tariffs and non-tariff barriers on US products to zero, halt Russian oil purchases, and buy over $500 billion in American energy, tech, agriculture, and coal. PM Modi hailed it as a win for "Made in India" exports, thanking Trump on X.

Kharge's Fiery Rajya Sabha Attack

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge blasted the government during the Motion of Thanks debate, accusing it of bypassing Parliament and endangering farmers by exposing them to subsidized US agriculture. "You're pitting Indian farmers against American giants—this will spark protests again," he warned, demanding details on zero tariffs, agri-market access, and Russian oil commitments.

Goyal's Robust Defense

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal countered that India's dairy and sensitive agriculture sectors remain shielded, calling it a "farmers-first" pact that Modi would never compromise.[ from context] US Trade Rep Jamieson Greer clarified to CNBC that agricultural protections persist despite zero tariffs on industrial goods. Goyal promised a joint statement soon.

Opposition Rallies for Transparency

The Budget session turned contentious, with Congress MP Manish Tewari filing an adjournment motion and Rahul Gandhi alleging Modi was "compromised" under pressure—claims BJP rejected outright.[ from context] Priyank Kharge mocked it as "GST Bachao Utsav," questioning the tariff math from 3% averages to 18%.

This deal, amid Trump's reelection and global shifts, underscores India's balancing act on trade, energy, and alliances, with Parliament as the battleground.