'Our PM is compromised, Modiji is rattled': Rahul Gandhi on US-India trade deal; Shashi Tharoor says 'no clarity'

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor (L) and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi. (File photo)

• Rahul Gandhi claims Modi was pressured in US-India trade deal announcement
• Congress demands clarity on trade deal terms and impact on Indian interests
• Opposition demands transparency and parliamentary explanation.

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Congress leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday questioned the circumstances under which the US-India trade agreement was announced, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is acting under “extreme pressure” and warning that the deal could harm the country’s interests.

“Modi ji is rattled. The (US-India) trade deal, which was stalled for the past few months, was signed by Narendra Modi last night. There is extreme pressure on him. Narendra Modi ji's image can get damaged. The main thing is that our PM is compromised. The public needs to think about this,” Rahul Gandhi said speaking to news agency ANI.

He also raised concerns about parliamentary conventions, saying, “For the first time, the LoP was not allowed to speak on the President's speech.”

Accusing the Prime Minister of sacrificing national interests, he added, “Narendra Modi ji has sold your hard work in this trade deal because he is compromised. He has sold the country. Narendra Modi ji is scared because those who shaped his image are now breaking this image.”

Linking his criticism to developments in the United States, Rahul Gandhi said, “There is a case on Adani ji in the US, it is actually a case on Modi ji....The Epstein Files contain even more that the US has not yet released. There is pressure due to that as well. These are the two pressure points. The country should understand this.”

The remarks came after India and the United States described their understanding as a breakthrough following a phone call between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump.

US President Trump first announced on Truth Social that Washington would immediately bring down tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent and claimed that India had agreed to eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers on American products, purchase more than $500 billion worth of US goods, and stop buying Russian oil.

Indian government statements acknowledged the tariff reduction and welcomed the agreement but did not confirm several of Trump’s broader assertions.

Reacting to the announcement, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said there is insufficient information in the public domain. “I strongly feel there is a need for clarity. All we have so far are President Trump’s tweets and press statements, with no details. Claims about India purchasing $500 billion worth of US goods and opening the market to American agricultural products raise serious questions, especially given the implications for Indian farmers,” he told news agency PTI.

Tharoor noted that while engaging in a trade agreement is important, transparency is essential. “While a trade deal is important and reduced tariffs are better than higher ones, we cannot celebrate without understanding the terms. The government must take Parliament into confidence and clearly explain what has been agreed to. Right now, there is concern because there is no clarity—the Congress is asking questions, and the BJP is not providing answers. That is the core issue.”

Prime Minister Modi later termed the development a “wonderful announcement” and said it would deepen cooperation between the two countries. However, opposition leaders continue to press for details, arguing that Parliament and the public deserve a full explanation of the deal’s scope and implications.