Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 5: Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi took a sharp swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, alleging that the PM would "meekly bow" to the deadline set by US President Donald Trump on reciprocal tariffs. His comments come as both nations race to finalise a long-discussed interim trade deal ahead of a July 9 deadline.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi reacted to union minister Piyush Goyal’s remarks that India would not rush into any trade pact unless it served national interests. Sharing an NDTV report on Goyal’s statement, Gandhi wrote: “Piyush Goyal can beat his chest all he wants, mark my words, Modi will meekly bow to the Trump tariff deadline.”

The deadline refers to the end of a 90-day suspension on US tariffs imposed during the Trump administration in retaliation for Indian duties on American goods. If a deal is not reached by July 9, the 26 per cent tariffs on various Indian exports could be reinstated.

Meanwhile, Piyush Goyal reiterated India’s stand that trade agreements must be fair, reciprocal, and aligned with national interests. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, he said, “It should be a win-win agreement. India is always ready to engage, but never under time pressure. National interest will always be supreme.”

Goyal also noted that discussions were ongoing not only with the US but also with countries like the EU, New Zealand, Chile, Oman, and Peru. He asserted that India enters into trade deals only after thorough negotiation and when both sides stand to benefit equally.