The Congress party launched a sharp critique of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government shortly after President Donald Trump revealed that the United States and India have finalized a trade agreement on Monday. The opposition party asserted that it appears the prime minister has 'capitulated finally' and questioned whether this pact can be considered the 'father of all deals.'
Trump Announces Trade Deal Details
President Trump disclosed on Monday night, Indian Standard Time, that India and the US have agreed to a trade deal. Under this agreement, Washington will reduce the reciprocal tariff on Indian goods to 18 percent from the current 25 percent. Trump made this announcement following a phone conversation with PM Modi, as confirmed by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, who assumed his role last month.
After Trump's announcement on Truth Social, PM Modi expressed his delight in an X post, stating that 'made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18 percent.' This development occurs just days after India and the European Union sealed a landmark free trade agreement, which has been described as the 'mother of all deals,' aiming to create a market encompassing two billion people.
Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh's Remarks
Congress general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, commented on the situation, using a playful reference to the popular dialogue from the 1987 Hindi movie Mr India, saying, 'In Washington, clearly Mogambo Khush Hai.'
Ramesh elaborated in a post on X, 'He (Trump) announced the halt of Operation Sindoor from Washington DC. He announced the updates on India's oil purchases from Russia and Venezuela from Washington. He's now announced an India-US Trade Deal from Washington, the full details of which are awaited.'
Allegations of Leverage and Capitulation
The Congress leader further alleged that President Trump seems to have some leverage over Prime Minister Modi, who is now reportedly 'mortified of even being seen with him, let alone engaging in the usual bout of hugs.' Ramesh stated, 'It appears Mr Modi has capitulated finally. Surely this cannot be the father of all deals.'
Earlier, the Congress had taken a jab at the government after the US ambassador to New Delhi confirmed that President Trump had spoken with Prime Minister Modi. The party highlighted that it now seems routine for India to learn about its government's actions only from Trump or his appointees.
'Trump-nirbharta' Comment
In a social media post, US Ambassador Sergio Gor mentioned that Trump spoke with Modi on Monday, urging followers to 'STAY TUNED.' Reacting to this, Ramesh said, 'It seems that Prime Minister Modi and President Trump spoke to each other today. This information has been provided not by the Indian side but by the US Ambassador to India.'
He added, 'This now seems to be the routine - India gets to know of its government's actions only from President Trump or his appointees. Trump-nirbharta,' a term coined to imply dependence on Trump for information.
The Congress's criticism underscores the ongoing political tensions in India, as the opposition continues to scrutinize the Modi government's diplomatic and trade engagements with global powers like the United States.
