Indian opposition hits Modi over US-India trade deal, demands full details

Congress slams PM after Trump announced a US-India trade deal, warning it could hurt farmers, industry

India’s main opposition party has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of quietly conceding too much in a newly announced trade deal with the United States, after President Donald Trump revealed the agreement following a call with Modi.

Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement.

When two large economies and the…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 2, 2026

In a series of statements on Tuesday, the Indian National Congress said the government should take parliament and the public “into confidence” and disclose the deal’s full terms, warning that lowering trade barriers could hurt domestic industry, small traders and farmers.

Just like the ceasefire, the announcement of the trade deal was also made by US President Trump. It has been stated that the trade deal is being done 'on Modi's request'.

• Trump says that India will move to reduce tariff and non tariff barriers against the United States to…

— Congress (@INCIndia) February 3, 2026

"The Modi government must take the Parliament and the entire country into confidence and share all the details," the official account of the Indian National Congress wrote.

In the United States, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the agreement would expand exports of American farm products into India’s large market, a comment that added to opposition concerns about the impact on Indian farmers.

Thank you @POTUS for ONCE AGAIN delivering for our American farmers.

New US-India deal will export more American farm products to India's massive market, lifting prices, and pumping cash into rural America.

In 2024, America’s agricultural trade deficit with India was $1.3… https://t.co/Z04eNDfXjD

— Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) February 2, 2026

Responding to the post by US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Chairperson of Social Media and Digital Platforms in India and member of the Indian National Congress, Supriya Shrinate, said, "This reaction from US Agriculture Secretary is deeply worrying...Modi had promised he won't compromise the interests of Indian farmers... how can India allow this?"

This reaction from US Agriculture Secretary is deeply worrying for India

Modi had promised that he won't compromise the interests of Indian farmers

But America says there will be a massive surge in export of American agricultural products to India - how can India allow this? https://t.co/XmvFdVk8T2

— Supriya Shrinate (@SupriyaShrinate) February 3, 2026

Trump said Washington would cut tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50%. At the same time, India would reduce barriers and move away from buying Russian oil, with Trump suggesting India could instead buy oil from the United States and potentially Venezuela.

Congress questioned whether New Delhi had agreed to stop purchasing Russian crude and whether safeguards were in place if the deal opens parts of India’s agriculture market to American products.

Congress Kerala's official X account also said the move risked turning India into an “American colony”.

Simply put, we will be an American Colony.

US will have tariff of 18% on our goods and we will charge 0% for their goods.

Resign and get lost @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/svOWLHVOLf

— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 3, 2026

The government has not publicly released a detailed text, timelines, or an enforcement mechanism. Reuters reported that while Trump framed the deal as ending Russian oil purchases, refiners and industry sources expected any shift to require a wind-down period to honour existing contracts.

The official Congress Kerala X account said, "This is the lowest moment for the country," saying that Modi was surrendering India's sovereignty to the US "to keep...himself out of jail."

Narendra Modi surrendered India’s sovereignty to United States to keep his friend and himself out of jail.

This is the lowest moment for the country. Complete surrender without even fighting! pic.twitter.com/aSK3aGes1A

— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 2, 2026

In an X post, India’s external affairs minister, S. Jaishankar, welcomed the announcement, saying that deeper economic ties would support jobs, growth and innovation, and strengthen “Make in India” efforts.

Welcome the announcements on bilateral trade following the conversation between PM @narendramodi and President @realDonaldTrump.

This will create more jobs, spur growth and promote innovation in both economies. It will strengthen ‘Make in India’ endeavors and encourage trusted…

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 2, 2026