Opposition demanding full EU–US trade pact texts, Lok Sabha adjourned amid protests on India–US deal as Budget Session debate on President’s address goes on
New Delhi: The Budget Session of Parliament on Tuesday witnessed heightened political confrontations as the Opposition intensified calls for transparency on India’s recently announced trade agreements with the United States and the European Union.
Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha continued with discussions on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address. However, opposition parties, particularly the Congress, demanded that the government formally place the full texts of the India–US and India–EU trade deals before both Houses of Parliament for detailed debate and scrutiny.
The Congress has raised doubts about the implications of the reduction of tariffs and overall market access commitments in the trade deal, saying that Parliament and the people of India have a right to know the details of the trade deal before it is operationalised.
In the Lok Sabha proceedings, protesting opposition members disrupted the House over the India-US trade deal. Their actions prompt Speaker Om Birla to adjourn the House until noon amid opposition sloganeering. Sources said the Centre may issue an official statement addressing the concerns on the trade pact, which reduces reciprocal tariffs to 18% and involves expanded market access for U.S. goods.
Earlier in the session, Congress MP K.C. Venugopal moved an adjournment motion to discuss the India-US deal, saying that if tariff and non-tariff barriers are removed, there could be adverse effects on Indian industries, farmers, and MSMEs.
Moreover, tensions escalated in the Lok Sabha when Rahul Gandhi attempted to quote from an unpublished memoir of former Army chief M.M. Naravane regarding the 2020 India–China conflict.
Speaker Om Birla disallowed the reference, but Gandhi persisted, triggering protests from BJP members. The ruling party accused him of misleading the House and undermining the armed forces. The heated exchanges forced multiple adjournments as the treasury and opposition benches traded sharp accusations.
The political atmosphere continues to be charged, with the Opposition demanding greater parliamentary involvement in foreign trade commitments, particularly in the wake of the EU free trade agreement and the high-profile India-US deal. The Budget Session, planned with extensive debate hours, will continue into the week with detailed discussions on both domestic and international fronts.
Also Read: India-US Trade Deal Sealed: Tariffs Slashed to 18% After Modi-Trump Talks
