New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday triggered a fresh political storm, alleging that the government had “sold Bharat Mata” through the India–US interim trade framework and describing the agreement as a “wholesale surrender”.
Participating in the debate on the Union Budget, Gandhi claimed that the deal compromised India’s energy security and farmers’ interests. He said that under the agreement, the United States would effectively decide “from whom India buys oil”.
Referring to the trade negotiations, Gandhi said that if an INDIA bloc government had been in power, it would have ensured that US President Donald Trump treated India as an equal partner.
“You have sold India. Don’t you feel ashamed? You have sold our mother, Bharat Mata,” Gandhi said in the House.
He alleged that the agreement would open Indian markets to a flood of American agricultural products, hurting domestic farmers. He also claimed that the Indian textile industry had been severely impacted.
Gandhi further criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, saying they had earlier stated that the era of war was over. “But the reality is that we are entering an era of war,” he said.
Stressing the need for preparedness in an increasingly volatile global environment, Gandhi said India must recognise its core strength—its people. He underlined the importance of safeguarding citizens, data, food supply chains and the country’s energy systems.
