Congress says U.S. trade deal ‘mortgages’ farmer interests, energy security and digital autonomy

Congress criticises the India-U.S. trade deal, claiming it undermines farmers' livelihoods, energy security, and digital autonomy.

Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “surrendering” before the United States, the Congress on Monday (February 16, 2026) claimed that the India-U.S. interim trade agreement undermines India’s energy security, data and digital autonomy, livelihood of farmers and economic self-reliance.

The principal Opposition party said it is ready to debate with the ruling party at a place and time of their choice.

“I have been instructed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi ji to place the facts,” party general secretary Randeep Surjewala said, adding that he was ready to debate with them “in the BJP office even today”.

Mr. Surjewala was responding to the challenge posed by Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday (February 15) for “Mr Gandhi to debate the trade deal with the chief of the BJP Yuva Morcha (youth wing)”.

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Surjewala said trade agreements must be based on parity and mutual interest, not at the cost of national sovereignty.

“National interest cannot be mortgaged under the guise of a trade deal,” he said, describing the agreement as a “one-sided and unequal” pact that compromises India’s core economic priorities.