Rahul, Rijiju Clash Over India-US Trade Deal

Lok Sabha sees heated exchange after LoP calls pact a ‘surrender’

February 11, 2026: The Lok Sabha witnessed sharp exchanges between Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday after the Congress leader criticised the India-US interim trade deal. During his speech, Rahul alleged that the government had “sold” India through the agreement, calling it a “wholesale surrender.” As he repeated his remarks, Rijiju intervened, stating that the allegations carried “serious connotations” and asked Rahul to substantiate them. He urged the LoP, through the Chair, to authenticate the claims, especially those involving the Prime Minister.

Rijiju emphasised that Rahul, as Leader of Opposition, was not an ordinary MP and that his words could have serious repercussions. “When you speak on certain things, there are serious connotations. He must authenticate all allegations he has made,” the Union Minister said. In response, Rahul asserted that he was ready to authenticate his statements immediately. However, Chair Jagdambika Pal clarified that authentication was not required by the Chair but had been demanded by the Minister.

In his address, Rahul described the trade deal as a “surrender” of “1.5 billion Indians,” alleging that it compromised India’s energy security and farmers’ interests. He argued that despite acknowledging a changing global order and intensifying geopolitical conflicts, the government had allowed the US to “weaponise” energy and financial systems. Questioning reported restrictions on purchasing Russian oil, Rahul claimed India’s energy decisions were being dictated externally and said no Prime Minister would sign such a deal “unless there was a chokehold on him.”