Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi strongly criticised the government during the Budget Session in Parliament on Wednesday. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, he raised concerns about the proposed India-US trade deal and said that no Indian Prime Minister, including Narendra Modi, would sign such an agreement under normal circumstances.
Gandhi claimed that India’s biggest strength in global negotiations is its “data” — the information generated by its large population. He said Indian data is a powerful asset in today’s digital world and should be treated as a national advantage, not a burden. According to him, population is India’s greatest strength in the 21st century.
He said that if the INDIA alliance were negotiating with US President Donald Trump, they would clearly state that Indian data is central to any agreement. Gandhi argued that if the United States wants to remain a global superpower and protect the dollar, Indian data would play a key role.
The Congress leader also said India should negotiate with the US as an equal partner. He stressed that India must protect its energy security and farmers’ interests in any trade agreement. “We are not servants. We will protect our farmers and our national interests,” he said in the House.
Gandhi further alleged that the government appeared to have surrendered before the United States. He controversially claimed that Prime Minister Modi “choked” under pressure during negotiations. However, when he began referring to other sensitive matters, the Chair intervened and did not allow him to continue on that topic.
Rahul Gandhi also disagreed with the view that “the era of war is over.” He pointed to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and tensions in the Middle East, saying the world is entering a period of instability.
The debate led to heated exchanges in Parliament, highlighting sharp political differences over India’s foreign and trade policies.
