With just three days left for Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs to kick in, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi stressed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would meekly bow to the deadline amid a deadlock over the trade deal.
Gandhi's reaction came as Union Minister Piyush Goyal asserted that India would enter into a trade agreement with the US only if its interests were protected. Sources had earlier told, an interim trade deal between India and the US was likely to be signed before the July 9 deadline.
"Piyush Goyal can beat his chest all he wants. Mark my words, Modi will meekly bow to the Trump tariff deadline," the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha tweeted.
Trump, who has previously called India a big abuser of tariffs and a "tariff king", had announced a 26% duty on Indian products as part of his April 2 "Liberation Day" reciprocal tariffs. The US President later suspended the tariffs for 90 days, allowing countries to strike a deal with the US.
Thus, without an interim trade deal agreement, India must prepare for a 26% tariff.
A major sticking point has been India's hard stance on not reducing tariffs on American agricultural imports such as maize and soybeans. The Trump administration's demand for wider access to the dairy sector, which employs over 80 million people in India, has also been a bone of contention.
On the other hand, India has demanded greater access to US labour-intensive industries, including textiles, gems and jewellery, leather goods, and chemicals.
The issue has not been resolved despite India's negotiating team, led by special secretary Rajesh Agarwal, extending their stay in Washington for discussions.
Speaking at a business event in Delhi, Goyal underscored that India would not compromise the interests of farm and dairy sectors.
"India never enters into trade deals based on deadlines or time pressure. It should be a win-win agreement, and only when India's interests are safeguarded, if a good deal is formed, India is always ready to engage with developed countries," Goyal said.
