Congress questions Modi on 'tariff cut' claim, farmers' interests

New Delhi

The Congress on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address Parliament regarding US President Donald Trump’s claim that India has agreed to reduce its tariffs. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned whether the interests of Indian farmers and manufacturers were being compromised.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is in Washington discussing trade, and meanwhile, President Trump makes this statement, Ramesh posted on X, sharing a video of Trump speaking about tariffs.

In the clip, Trump asserts that India has imposed massive tariffs, making trade difficult for the US. He claims India is now willing to lower them due to pressure. India charges us massive tariffs. You can’t even sell anything there… Now they want to cut tariffs because they are being exposed, Trump says in the video.

Ramesh demanded clarity from the government, asking, What has Modi’s government agreed to? Are Indian farmers and manufacturers being sidelined? He insisted that the prime minister take Parliament into confidence when sessions resume on March 10.

Both Houses of Parliament will reconvene on Monday for the second phase of the budget session.

Trump has long accused several nations, including Canada and Mexico, of imposing unfair trade practices on the US. Throughout his presidency, he has repeatedly threatened reciprocal tariffs, claiming that America has been financially exploited by multiple countries, including India.