‘Trying to Mislead the Nation’: Piyush Goyal Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi Over India–US Trade Deal
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his criticism of the newly announced India–US trade agreement, accusing him of “misleading the nation” and displaying “double standards” on issues of national importance.
Addressing reporters in Delhi, Goyal said Opposition leaders who had earlier questioned the government over delays in finalising the trade deal were now criticising it after its conclusion. “I am amazed by Rahul Gandhi’s double standards. He is trying to mislead the country,” Goyal said, alleging that the Congress leader was opposed to development and public welfare.
“It is unfortunate that negative-minded leaders like Rahul Gandhi are attempting to confuse the nation. I strongly condemn his lies and deceit. The country is moving forward, and such tactics will not work,” the minister said. Goyal further accused Gandhi of repeatedly making baseless allegations and undermining national institutions.
“During the UPA years, India became one of the ‘fragile five’ economies. If Rahul Gandhi ever gets an opportunity, he will push the country back into the same situation,” he claimed, adding that the Congress leader did not trust India’s armed forces and jawans.
India–US Trade Agreement
US President Donald Trump on Monday announced the India–US trade deal, stating that tariffs on Indian goods would be reduced to 18 per cent from 50 per cent. Trump also said India had agreed to a range of measures, including lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers, curbing Russian oil trade, and purchasing over $500 billion worth of US goods across sectors such as energy, agriculture, technology and coal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the tariff reduction, calling it “wonderful news” in a post on X, and thanked President Trump on behalf of the people of India.
Rahul Gandhi’s Criticism
Rahul Gandhi, however, levelled serious allegations against the government, claiming the Prime Minister had signed the trade agreement under pressure. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament amid continued disruptions, Gandhi alleged that the deal could damage the Prime Minister’s image.
“The trade deal was stuck for four months. Nothing has changed. But for reasons that Mr Modi and I both know, he signed it last evening. There is immense pressure on him,” Gandhi said, adding that the Prime Minister was “rattled” and had been “compromised”.
‘A Deal in National Interest’
Rejecting the allegations, Goyal praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and said the agreement had been finalised with national and public interest as the priority. “Every Indian is thanking Prime Minister Modi today for securing a strong trade deal with the United States — something the country had been waiting for for many months,” he said.
“This is truly a deal the nation was waiting for,” Goyal added, crediting Modi’s close diplomatic engagement with President Trump for securing what he described as India’s best trade agreement compared to its competitors and neighbouring countries.
The minister said the agreement would open up significant opportunities for the Indian economy and benefit farmers, fishermen, workers, women, youth and the poor. Goyal also assured that a joint statement outlining the detailed terms of the agreement would be issued once the technical process is completed and the final understanding is reached.
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