"Will redefine trade between two largest democracies": BJP MP Baijayant Panda on India-US deal
New Delhi, February 3
BJP National Vice President Baijayant Panda has said that the "historic" India-US trade deal will "redefine trade" between the two countries and have a positive global impact to stabilise many aspects of geopolitics.
Ahead of the NDA Parliamentary party meeting held on Tuesday, the Lok Sabha MP from Odisha's Kendrapara said, "The breakthrough between India and the US talks yesterday is historic. It is not just a trade deal that will redefine trade between the two largest democracies in the world; it will also have a positive global impact and help stabilise many aspects of trade and geopolitics"
"I congratulate PM Modi and President Trump on this historic deal," Panda said.
Meanwhile, PM Modi was felicitated by NDA MPs at the Parliament Annexe Building for the India-United States trade deal.
US President Donald Trump has announced that US and India "have agreed to a trade deal," with Washington reducing the reciprocal tariff from 25 per cent to 18 per cent, "out of friendship and respect" for PM Modi.
Trump also said that India has agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil and will fulfil its energy needs from the US and "potentially" Venezuela.
Following Trump's post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on X, said it was wonderful to speak with his "dear friend President Trump" and expressed delight that "Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%".
Meanwhile, Congress has demanded the complete details of the India-US trade deal, raising questions over several key aspects such as the opening of the agriculture sector, the reduction of tariffs to "zero" and a pause on the purchase of Russian oil, as claimed by US President Donald Trump.
"Trump says that India will move to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers against the United States to 'zero'. It seems India has agreed to completely open our market for America. This will impact Indian industry, traders and farmers. There is talk of opening the agriculture sector for America in the statement as well. What exactly is the deal? How have the security and interests of our farmers been ensured?" they asked.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While the deal sounds promising, the Congress is right to ask for transparency. What does "opening the agriculture sector" mean for our farmers? We need assurances that MSP and local markets won't be hurt. The government must clarify the fine print.
Stopping Russian oil is a big strategic shift. It makes us dependent on the US and Venezuela. Is this good for our energy security in the long run? We need a balanced foreign policy, not one tilted completely westward.
As an American following this, it's great to see stronger ties. Hope this means more Indian tech talent can collaborate easily and more American goods become affordable in India. A win-win for consumers in both countries!
Historic indeed! The geopolitical stabilisation angle is crucial. A strong India-US partnership can counterbalance China's influence in the region. This is about more than just trade; it's about shaping the 21st-century world order.
I'm cautiously optimistic. The reduced tariff is excellent for exporters, but the talk of reducing barriers to "zero" is worrying for our small industries. We must protect our 'swadeshi' entrepreneurs while engaging globally. Jai Hind!
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