BJP Celebrates as India-US Strike Landmark Trade Deal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from BJP supporters after securing a trade deal with the US, reducing tariffs on Indian goods. Concurrently, contentious political debates occurred in Parliament over Rahul Gandhi's comments concerning border tensions with China during a heated Budget Session discussion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was met with enthusiastic cheers from BJP workers, chanting phrases such as 'Jai Modi' and 'Bharat Mata ki Jai,' following the announcement of a new trade deal with the United States. The agreement, reached with US President Donald Trump, brings a reduction in reciprocal tariffs, aimed at fostering goodwill between the two nations.

The deal, unveiled on Trump's social media platform Truth Social, reflects a significant policy shift, notably reducing tariffs from 25% to 18%. Additionally, it includes India's commitment to halt Russian oil purchases, a move linked to previous sanctions imposed by the Trump administration amid tensions over India's oil trade with Russia.

Amid these developments, Parliamentary proceedings in India were marked by heated discussions. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, faced objections from BJP members over his references to border tensions with China in his address during the ongoing Budget Session. Parliamentary Speaker Om Birla instructed Gandhi to refrain from mentioning an unpublished memoir by former Army Chief General MM Naravane, emphasizing adherence to House rules.

In contrast, the Upper House witnessed a poignant moment during the motion of thanks to President Droupadi Murmu's address, as BJP MP Sadananad Master shared a personal story by placing his artificial limbs on the bench. Meanwhile, the motion of thanks faced repeated interruptions in the Lok Sabha, signaling ongoing political friction.

The contested parliamentary sessions highlight the broader political climate, with strategic and international agreements juxtaposed against internal political dynamics. The standoff surrounding Gandhi's comments continues to evoke sharp exchanges between the NDA and INDIA bloc MPs, revealing the depth of political divisions in the current government session.

(With inputs from agencies.)