Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh Questions Modi Government on US Trade Deal, Tariffs, and Russia Oil

Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh Questions Modi Government on US Trade Deal, Tariffs, and Russia Oil

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has intensified his political attack on the Central government, directing three pointed and critical questions towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The queries focus on recent developments in international trade, specifically concerning the United States, and allegations surrounding India's energy procurement policies.

Three Critical Questions Posed to the Prime Minister

Ramesh's interrogation centers on three primary areas of concern that he believes require immediate governmental transparency and accountability.

1. Questioning the Circumstances of February 2 Developments: Referring to a social media post by former US President Donald Trump, Ramesh has demanded clarity on the specific events and diplomatic exchanges that transpired on February 2. He has openly alleged that the government might be using these developments as a political diversion to shift public attention from other pressing domestic issues.
2. Concerns Over Revised US Tariff Rates and Impact on Farmers: The Congress leader raised significant alarms regarding the revised tariff rates imposed by the United States. He urged the Modi administration to reconsider and potentially renegotiate any tax structures or trade terms that could adversely affect Indian farmers. Ramesh labeled the current trade arrangement as unequal and warned that any negative impact on the agricultural sector would be unacceptable.
3. Seeking Clarity on India's Stance Regarding Russian Oil: Amid claims made by Donald Trump about India's oil purchases, Ramesh has sought explicit clarification from the government on its official position and ongoing dealings with Russia concerning energy imports. He emphasized the need for a clear and transparent foreign policy statement to address these international claims.

Demand for Transparency in International Negotiations

In his statement, Jairam Ramesh stressed the paramount importance of transparency and fairness in all international negotiations and trade agreements. He argued that the government must prioritize the protection of national interests, particularly the welfare of farmers and the stability of the domestic economy.

"The government must ensure that no trade deal compromises the livelihoods of our farmers or the sovereignty of our economic decisions," Ramesh asserted. He called for a comprehensive review of the terms discussed with the US, highlighting that any agreement perceived as lopsided could have long-term detrimental effects.

Political and Economic Implications

This latest critique from the senior Congress leader adds to the ongoing political discourse surrounding India's foreign trade policies and diplomatic engagements. The questions raised touch upon:

• The strategic balance in international relations, especially with major powers like the US and Russia.
• The direct economic impact of global tariff structures on key Indian sectors, notably agriculture.
• The government's communication strategy and transparency in handling sensitive international claims and negotiations.

Ramesh's move is seen as part of the opposition's broader strategy to hold the ruling administration accountable on economic and foreign policy fronts, particularly in the lead-up to future electoral cycles.