Congress Leader Sounds Alarm Over US Trade Agreement, Fears Unequal Competition
Senior Congress leader and former central minister Kumari Selja has issued a stark warning regarding a proposed trade agreement between India and the United States. The Member of Parliament from Sirsa expressed deep concerns that the pact could severely disadvantage Indian farmers and domestic industries, placing them in a position of "unequal competition."
Potential Market Imbalance and Economic Risks
Speaking on Sunday, Selja pointed to a joint statement on the agreement that suggests the Indian market might be opened to American agricultural and industrial goods. However, she highlighted a critical lack of reciprocal relief for Indian exports, which continue to face high tariffs and non-tariff barriers in the US market.
"Based on the information available so far, certain provisions of the agreement could place Indian farmers, traders, workers and domestic industries in a position of unequal competition," Selja stated emphatically.
She elaborated that if US food and industrial products gain extensive access to India while Indian exports remain restricted, the national economy could suffer severe consequences. Key sectors identified as particularly vulnerable include agriculture, manufacturing, and traditional crafts.
Threats to Multiple Economic Sectors
The Congress leader outlined specific industries at risk, emphasizing the potential damage to India's agricultural economy. Beyond farming, she warned of adverse effects on textiles, leather, footwear, rubber, and chemicals. Additionally, cottage industries and artisan-based products face significant threats from the proposed agreement.
"Such an imbalance would weaken domestic producers and threaten livelihoods," Selja noted, stressing that these sectors collectively provide employment to lakhs of citizens across the country.
Conflict with Self-Reliant India Policy
Selja raised fundamental questions about how the proposed procurement of American goods aligns with the government's flagship Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) policy. This initiative aims to promote and strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities across various sectors.
She demanded that the central government provide clear explanations about what safeguard provisions are in place to protect sensitive economic sectors from potential harm. "Any international trade agreement must be founded on equality, transparency and the protection of national interests," she asserted.
Calls for Parliamentary Scrutiny and Public Assurance
The Congress party is now calling for the full details of the trade agreement to be tabled in Parliament for thorough examination and debate. Selja insisted that the public must receive firm assurances that the interests of small-scale industries and laborers are not being compromised for diplomatic gains or international relations.
As of now, the central government has yet to issue a detailed clarification addressing these specific concerns raised by the opposition leader. The demand for transparency and protection of domestic interests continues to grow louder as discussions about the trade agreement progress.
