New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday accused the Centre of misleading the public over the interim India-US trade arrangement, alleging that the agreement would adversely impact cotton farmers and textile exporters.
In a post on X, Gandhi claimed the government had failed to safeguard the interests of both sectors. He argued that a forward-looking administration would have secured terms that ensured mutual growth and stability rather than creating uncertainty.
Referring to tariff differences, Gandhi said Indian garment exports face an 18 per cent tariff in the United States, while Bangladesh reportedly enjoys zero-duty access on the condition that it imports American cotton. He questioned why this aspect of the arrangement had not been clearly communicated earlier.
According to Gandhi, a minister had indicated in Parliament that India could secure similar benefits only by importing cotton from the US. He described this as a policy dilemma that could either hurt domestic cotton growers or undermine the competitiveness of India’s textile industry.
“If we import American cotton, our farmers will suffer. If we do not, our textile exporters may lose ground,” he said, warning that both sectors form the backbone of livelihoods for millions across the country.
Gandhi also expressed concern that Bangladesh might scale back cotton imports from India, further affecting domestic producers.
Criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Cabinet, Gandhi alleged that the agreement was not negotiated in the national interest and could inflict long-term damage on employment and economic stability in the textile value chain.
The government has not yet issued a detailed response to Gandhi’s remarks.
