Mumbai, Feb 19 (NationPress) The general secretary of the All India Congress Committee, Sachin Pilot, stated on Thursday that the trade agreement with the United States was established under undue pressure and is effectively stifling India's farmers. He emphasized that the 1.44 billion citizens of India will never tolerate such an arrangement.

He elaborated that trade agreements should act as instruments for economic advancement, provided they are formed on equitable terms and mutual public interest. Any agreement that compromises the nation's sovereignty in favor of servitude is unacceptable. National and public interests must never be traded away under the pretense of trade deals.

During the press briefing, Pilot criticized the Modi government, asserting that the India-US trade agreement has adversely affected the interests of Indian farmers and the agricultural industry, while also threatening energy security.

“Concerns have been raised regarding digital autonomy and data privacy. Instead of safeguarding India's interests and those of its farmers, the BJP government has faltered on matters of sovereignty and self-reliance. Moreover, the announcement of this agreement came from the United States itself. Previously, former U.S. President Donald Trump also declared a ceasefire. This raises pertinent questions: Is India led by a ‘Strong Government’ or a ‘Compelled Government’? Is it ‘Self-reliant India’ or ‘America-reliant India’?” he questioned.

Sachin Pilot explained that under the terms of the agreement, American agricultural and food products will enjoy duty-free access. This will have a profound impact on farmers cultivating maize, sorghum (jowar), soybean, oilseed crops, cotton, fruits, and dry fruits.

“The import of American cotton will adversely affect cotton farmers in states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Karnataka. The inflow of American fruits and dry fruits will distress farmers in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and other regions. Permitting the import of GM (Genetically Modified) crops and eliminating non-tariff barriers threatens to reduce farmer subsidies and jeopardizes biodiversity,” he warned.

He noted that the pressure to refrain from purchasing inexpensive crude oil from Russia and Iran represents an assault on India's energy security. A significant portion of India's oil imports is sourced from these countries. Opting for costly oil over budget-friendly alternatives is not in national interest; it undermines India's sovereignty.

Sachin Pilot pointed out that India is reportedly under obligation to purchase $500 billion worth of American goods within the next five years. American agricultural products will be exempt from taxes in India, whereas Indian agricultural products will incur an 18 percent tax. In contrast, Bangladesh will not face any tax.

“Despite the unfair nature of this agreement for India, the BJP is praising Modi for it. Is this agreement founded on equality, or is it the result of pressure? The government owes the nation an explanation,” he concluded.