Shashi Tharoor Seeks Clarity on India-US Trade Deal

Congress flags concerns over impact on farmers; government promises statement in Parliament

February 3, 2026: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday raised sharp questions in Parliament over the recently announced India-US trade deal, demanding greater transparency on its terms and implications for Indian farmers. Pointing to the reduction in US tariffs from 50% to 18%, Tharoor said the government had not clearly explained how the agreement would affect key sectors such as agriculture and dairy, or whether Indian markets were being opened to American farmers.

The opposition argued that the lack of detailed information had created confusion among lawmakers and stressed that India’s agricultural interests must be explicitly safeguarded. Tharoor underlined that Members of Parliament, as representatives of the people, needed full disclosure of the deal’s provisions to ensure accountability and assess its impact on domestic producers.

Responding to the criticism, Leader of the House JP Nadda accused the opposition of acting “irresponsibly” and termed its conduct anti-national. He asserted that the government was ready for a full discussion and would issue a formal statement in Parliament. The ruling side maintained that complete clarity would be provided on tariff cuts, trade balances and sector-wise impacts, assuring that India’s economic and national interests remain protected.