New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday criticised the Modi government over the India-US trade deal, questioning the “haste” in finalising an agreement before the US Supreme Court’s judgement on tariffs.

In a post on X, Kharge asked whether the Centre had rushed into what he described as a “trap deal” with Washington.

“Clueless foreign policy or one-sided surrender? Why did the Modi Government not wait for the US Supreme Court judgement on tariffs before rushing to fall into a TRAP DEAL, which extracted huge concessions from India?” he wrote.

Concerns over tariffs, agriculture and energy security

Kharge claimed that the joint statement on the proposed India-US trade agreement referred to zero tariffs on several American exports to India, which he said could open up India’s agriculture sector to US goods.

He also raised concerns about reported commitments to import USD 500 billion worth of American products and to halt purchases of Russian crude oil, arguing that such moves could affect India’s energy security. In addition, he flagged provisions relating to digital trade and tax exemptions.

“Modi ji must stand before Indians and tell the truth. What or Who pressured you into compromising India's national interest and strategic autonomy? Was it the Epstein Files? Will the Government of India wake up from its deep slumber and deliver a fair trade deal that preserves the self-respect of 140 crore Indians and the interest of our farmers, workers, small businesses and traders?” Kharge said, urging the government to secure what he termed a fair trade deal that protects farmers, workers, small businesses and traders.

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US Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariffs

Kharge’s remarks come after the US Supreme Court struck down former President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs in a 6–3 ruling. The judgement held that Trump had exceeded his authority by invoking emergency powers to impose import duties without Congressional approval.

Also Read | US Supreme Court blocks Trump's broad tariffs, limiting presidential economic powers

The decision dealt a blow to Trump’s economic agenda, particularly his “reciprocal tariffs” policy targeting multiple countries.

Despite the ruling, Trump said there would be no change to the trade deal with India and asserted that the “India deal is on”. Addressing reporters, he described the court’s verdict as “deeply disappointing”.

Political debate over India-US trade agreement

The Congress has sought clarity from the Centre on the implications of the India-US trade negotiations, particularly in light of recent tariff developments in the US.

The government has maintained that it is closely monitoring the situation and assessing the impact of US tariff decisions on India’s trade interests.

The controversy has intensified political debate over the India-US trade deal, tariffs on Indian exports, and broader concerns around strategic autonomy, agriculture protection and energy security.

PTI