India–US Trade Deal Sparks Heated Clash in Lok Sabha Between Rahul Gandhi and Kiren Rijiju

New Delhi: A sharp political confrontation unfolded in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday as the Opposition and the government clashed over the proposed India–United States trade agreement during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a strong attack on the government, calling the trade deal a “complete surrender” and alleging that the Prime Minister had compromised the future of nearly 1.5 billion Indians. Gandhi claimed that the agreement favours American interests at the cost of India’s farmers, small businesses, and strategic autonomy, and accused the government of negotiating from a position of weakness.
His remarks triggered noisy protests from the treasury benches, leading to repeated interruptions in the House.
Responding to the allegations, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju rejected the charge of “surrender” and strongly defended the government’s stand. Rijiju said that such serious accusations cannot be made without evidence and warned that misleading statements on sensitive international agreements could have serious consequences. He asserted that the government had acted firmly in national interest and that India’s sovereignty and economic priorities were fully protected in all negotiations.
The exchange further escalated tensions in the House, with both sides accusing each other of misleading the nation. The debate highlighted deep political divisions over India’s foreign trade policy and is expected to continue as discussions on economic and strategic issues progress in Parliament.