Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala has launched a scathing attack on the central government. He alleged that the deal between India and America has sacrificed Indian farmers, energy security and digital freedom. Surjewala raised questions on the central government’s slogan of self-reliant India. Surjewala asked whether India was becoming “dependent on America” amid concerns over the US deal. Modi government has sacrificed farmers and farming land owners in this trade agreement.
He further said that digital freedom and data privacy have raised serious questions. Instead of strengthening the protection of Indian interests, a strong government has compromised India’s freedoms and data privacy. People are asking whether this is a strong government or a weak government? Is this a self-reliant India or an India dependent on America?
This deal will destroy the livelihood of the people of India: Surjewala
He said, “I am saddened to know that when our External Affairs Minister was asked about the India-US trade deal, he replied that it is the responsibility of another department. When our External Affairs Minister has no understanding and knowledge of the interim trade agreement between India and the US, how can I be expected to be satisfied with such an answer?” He said that this deal will destroy the livelihood of Indians by opening the domestic market to US processed fruits and additional products.
He said the current cotton imports worth $334 million have led to the decline in domestic prices. He asked whether milk, wheat and dairy products are included in the zero-tariff concession. Surjewala’s reply came in response to the trade agreement signed between the US and India, in which the framework for the interim agreement was announced. Under this agreement, India has agreed to eliminate or reduce tariffs on several US products, including industrial goods and dry fruits.
