Opposition MPs in Rajya Sabha question Centre over India-U.S. trade deal

Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (February 3, 2026) asked the Union Government to ensure that the India-U.S. trade deal does not impact badly on the lives of Indian farmers.

Speaking on the second day of the discussion in the Upper House on a motion to thank President Droupadi Murmu for her address to Parliament, Opposition members questioned the government over the announcement of the deal by U.S. President Donald Trump and alleged that the Narendra Modi Government succumbed to U.S. pressure.

Congress leader Rajani Ashokrao Patil said it was being pointed out that India will open its agriculture sector to the U.S. “If the government does not protect farmers, if you open their agricultural market. Mr. Trump has said that $500 billion worth of purchases are going to take place. It is essential for Parliament and the nation to know on which aspects the Prime Minister held discussions with Mr. Trump,” Ms. Patil said.

The Congress MP sought clarification on Mr. Trump’s claim that India will buy oil from the U.S. and Venezuela from now on instead of Russia. The Congress MP asked if the Centre decided to desert the country’s long-term ally. Trinamool Congress MP Ritabrata Banerjee said the Union Government has succumbed to the economic expansionism of the U.S., accepting all terms dictated upon by Mr. Trump on purchases of oil.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader John Brittas said the government considers the Upper House “inferior to Elon Musk’s X platform” as the deal was announced in social media when Parliament was in session.

“The healthy convention of this country is that any policy decision during Parliament session, any important decision, should be announced on the floor of the House, rather than on X platform. So, where is this country going?” he asked. “Who is the Petroleum Minister of this country? Donald Trump will tell you where to buy the oil from. Stop the oil from Iran. Stop the oil from Venezuela. Stop the oil from Russia,” he added.

Abdul Wahab of the Indian Union Muslim League said the U.S. President announced the deal first, and the country’s government responded much later. “I congratulate Mr. Trump for giving us the subsidy, making it 18%. Again, like Operation Sindoor, he has given a timely address to our government,” Mr. Wahab said.

Ranjeet Ranjan of the Congress said she was worried about the farmers. “On the one hand, the recommendations of the Swaminathan Committee report have not been implemented, and on the other, India has agreed a pact with the U.S.. The government must take in to confidence this House, the Opposition and tell the details,” she said.

Countering the Opposition questions, Shiv Sena leader Milind Deora said India secured lower tariffs compared to its major competitors. “The tariff imposed on China is 34%, on Bangladesh 20%, on Vietnam 20%, and on Indonesia 19%. Today, India’s tariff is only 18%,” he said.