CPI(M) MP Amra Ram Slams India-US Trade Deal as 'Complete Surrender'

• CPI(M) MP Amra Ram termed the India-US interim trade agreement a “complete surrender,” warning of severe impact on farmers and agricultural employment.
• Ram highlighted the US tariff on Indian goods increasing from 3% to 18%, while India's 6% tariff is reduced to zero, questioning the fairness of the deal.
• The agreement aims to reduce tariffs on US industrial goods and agricultural products like dried distillers’ grains, tree nuts, and soybean oil.
• In return, the US will apply an 18% tariff on selected Indian goods including textiles, apparel, leather, and artisanal products.
• Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that India's energy decisions, including oil imports, will continue to be guided by national interest, despite US statements on Russian oil.