Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 11: Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday outlined what the Opposition bloc INDIA would say to US President Donald Trump regarding the latest India-US trade framework. Gandhi criticised the deal, echoing Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s earlier view that it resembles a pre-committed purchase rather than a true free trade agreement.

Speaking on the approach his alliance would take, Gandhi said, “If the INDIA alliance was negotiating with President Trump, the most important thing we would convey is that we are friends, we appreciate him, and want to help protect the dollar. But any discussions on Indian data must be on equal terms — not as if we are servants.”

He emphasised India’s priority on energy security, noting that the country would protect its interests regardless of US pressure to stop buying Russian oil. Gandhi also highlighted the need to safeguard Indian farmers, stating, “We understand the US has an agricultural voter base to protect, but we will equally protect our farmers and insist on talks as equals, not being compared to Pakistan.”

The Opposition leader’s remarks come amid growing debate in Parliament and the country over the implications of the India-US trade framework, which critics say may compromise India’s strategic and economic interests.