BJP leader Prakash Reddy on Monday criticised Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his comments on the India–US tariff agreement, stating that concerns raised about its impact on agriculture are unfounded.
Addressing the media in Hyderabad, Reddy said Rahul Gandhi’s remarks suggesting that the recent trade pact could harm Indian agricultural products do not reflect ground realities. He asserted that farmers in the country are aware of policy changes and understand how trade agreements function. According to Reddy, the agreement has been structured to safeguard domestic interests while enabling export opportunities.
The BJP leader further said that successive Congress governments had entered into multiple international agreements in the past and often yielded to external pressures. In contrast, he claimed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has negotiated trade arrangements while protecting key sectors, including agriculture.
Reddy stated that despite global economic pressures, the government has maintained a calibrated approach toward tariff negotiations and market access. He maintained that the India–US agreement does not compromise farmers’ interests and is aimed at strengthening India’s trade position.
The Congress has argued that certain provisions of the trade understanding require closer scrutiny to ensure adequate safeguards for domestic producers. The exchange reflects ongoing political debate over the implications of the India–US trade framework, particularly concerning agriculture and small-scale industries.
The matter continues to draw reactions from leaders across party lines as discussions around trade policy remain central to national economic discourse.
