New Delhi: Opposition leaders on Saturday took a swipe at the government over the India-US deal framework accusing PM Narendra Modi of yielding to President Donald Trump’s demands at India’s expense. While Congress’ Jairam Ramesh quipped “Dost dost na raha,” Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Priyanka Chaturvedi said the Indian government “followed orders” from the US.
Ramesh claimed the India-US joint statement on an interim trade agreement is “silent” on details and took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying “all the hugs and photo-ops have not amounted to much”.
He quipped, “Dost dost na raha…” — the iconic line from the Mukesh song “Dost dost na raha” from the 1964 film “Sangam”.
Ramesh said, “The United States-India Joint Statement just issued is silent on details.” He released a 5-point statement claiming that “India will no longer import oil from Russia.”
The Indian government has yet to confirm the US’ claim that it won’t buy Russia oil as as part of the “historic” deal with the US.
Ramesh also claimed that “India will slash import duties to help American farmers at the cost of Indian farmers.” He added, “India’s annual imports from the USA will triple, wiping out our longstanding goods trade surplus.”
Shiv Sena UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi reiterated that the India-US deal framework “isn’t an outcome of talks but that of an order from the US that the Indian government has agreed to follow.” She claimed the Centre “follow[ed] most of what US President had already said on Truth Social.”
Congress leader Manish Tewari also said, “The Industrial Sector seems to have been thrown wide open and even the formulation is ‘including ‘ not limited too in the case of Agriculture.”
He sought a discussion on the India-US deal in Parliament.
