New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the recently agreed India-US trade deal as a “big decision” that will benefit every section of Indian society while addressing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) parliamentary party on Tuesday morning. In his remarks, he also defended the government’s handling of key national priorities, including protection of farmers’ interests and broader economic opportunities expected from the pact.
Modi emphasised that the deal, announced late Monday following discussions between Indian and US leadership, reflects sustained strategic patience and has already created a “positive atmosphere” in domestic politics and markets. Members of the ruling alliance felicitated him during the meeting for securing the agreement, which involves mutual reductions in tariffs and stronger bilateral trade ties.
‘Big decision’ that will benefit the country
Addressing NDA MPs in Parliament House, Modi said the India-US trade deal will not harm Indian farmers in any way, and that sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy have been carefully protected in negotiations. Union ministers and spokespersons later reiterated that India retained key safeguards for its agricultural sector despite reciprocal tariff adjustments.
Prime Minister Modi asked party members to communicate the benefits of the Union Budget and the trade agreement to people across the country and to ensure their active presence during parliamentary discussions. He noted that criticism of the deal when it was under negotiation had given way to a positive outcome, and said India should now focus on increasing domestic manufacturing and producing quality products for global markets.
Global shifts and political context
Modi referenced his earlier remarks about a changing world order since the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that global economic and strategic trends were now “tilting in India’s favour.” His comments underscored the government’s narrative that India’s growing economic stature is being recognised internationally through such trade pacts.
In addition to the US deal, he highlighted other recent trade agreements, including with the European Union, as milestones that enhance India’s global integration and benefit its exporters, entrepreneurs and industries. Lawmakers in the NDA meeting also cautioned against complacency and urged continued focus on development, parliamentary responsibilities and ground outreach.
Benefits and safeguards reiterated
Officials at the meeting said that while some tariffs on Indian goods will be reduced as part of the agreement, important agricultural protections and dairy safeguards remain intact. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal later told Parliament that Indian interests in sensitive sectors were fully taken into account, and that the pact would open fresh opportunities for MSMEs, job creation and export growth.
Government supporters argued that the deal would boost Indian industry’s access to the US market by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers, while strengthening bilateral cooperation on energy, technology and other sectors. Critics, including some Opposition lawmakers, have called for full public disclosure of the agreement’s text and raised concerns about potential impacts on farmers and domestic producers.
Continued parliamentary focus
The Prime Minister also used the NDA meeting to stress the importance of parliamentary discipline, encourage MPs to engage with people on policy achievements including the Budget, and highlight the ruling alliance’s expanding political acceptance across regions. The broader political debate over the trade deal’s merits and risks is expected to continue in Parliament and public forums as further details emerge.