Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Raises Alarm Over US-India Trade Deal

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan voiced concerns over the US-India trade agreement, highlighting potential negative impacts on farmers, workers, and domestic industries. He urged transparency by demanding the agreement be presented to Parliament and the public. The deal includes tariff reductions on Indian goods, but Vijayan warns of risks to economic sovereignty.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has voiced substantial concerns regarding the newly announced US-India trade deal, warning it could place India in an 'unequal and subordinate position.' He emphasized the need for transparency, urging that the agreement be made accessible to both Parliament and the general public.

Vijayan pointed out the potential negative impacts on Indian farmers, workers, and domestic industries due to the reduction in tariffs and non-tariff protections. This may compromise livelihoods, food security, and the country's economic sovereignty, he argued, and should be firmly resisted.

According to US President Donald Trump, the agreement will see the United States lowering the reciprocal tariff on Indian goods from 25% to 18%. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the change, expressing delight that 'made in India' products will benefit from reduced tariffs.

(With inputs from agencies.)