Did Cong MP Submit Adjournment Motion Again in LS Regarding India-US Trade Deal?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 10 (NationPress) Congress MP Manish Tewari has once again submitted an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, calling for a discussion on the USA–India Joint Statement concerning the Interim Trade Agreement and the apprehensions related to the acquisition of Russian oil.
This marks the third instance of Tewari's submission on this pressing issue.
On February 2, India and the US announced a trade agreement following a conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump. Subsequently, on February 7, both nations released a joint statement about the interim trade agreement, which was later followed by an executive order signed by the US President.
In his motion, Tewari stated, "I propose that this House suspend Question Hour, Zero Hour, and all other scheduled business for the day to address the serious issues arising from the USA–India Joint Statement concerning the Interim Trade Agreement and the recent Executive Order from the White House."
He expressed concerns that commitments regarding Russian oil purchases and concessions related to agriculture might have been made, raising significant questions about India's energy security, the interests of farmers, and the nation's strategic autonomy. He urged the Government to make an immediate statement and facilitate a comprehensive discussion in Parliament.
The trade agreement has elicited criticism from opposition parties, who argue that the pact is disproportionately advantageous to the US and not in India's favor.
According to both nations, they have established a framework for an Interim Agreement characterized by "reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade." This development keeps the discussions progressing toward a complete US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement, which was initiated by Trump and Modi last February.
Both parties hailed the framework as a historic achievement, aiming for equitable trade and tangible outcomes. For India, the advantages primarily focus on tariffs, sector-specific access, and alleviating long-standing trade impediments.
Under this framework, the United States will impose a reciprocal tariff rate of 18 percent on Indian goods.