Explained: This article explains the political background, key decisions, and possible outcomes related to Explained : ‘Dost dost na raha’: India-US interim trade framework draws sharp criticism; Oppn flags China angle and Its Impact and why it matters right now.
‘Dost dost na raha’ (ET Online)
11:15 Min | February 07, 2026, 11:46 AM IST
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Saturday said that the Opposition parties will discuss the India-US trade deal framework in the Parliament during the ongoing Budget Session. Speaking to ANI, Jairam Ramesh called the India-US joint statement a tactic to divert attention from the 2020 standoff with China, which was flagged by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, in Parliament. “Namaste Trump jeete, Howdy Modi haare. The joint statement, which has been issued, is not very detailed, but whatever information we could collect makes five things very clear. First, we will not purchase Russian oil, and if we do, a fine will be imposed on us in the form of 25% tariffs. Second, we will either reduce or remove import duty on agricultural imports from the US… Our imports from the US will increase by three times every year. This means our trade with the US, which is in surplus, will become a deficit. Fourth, there is no mention on IT and service sector. Fifth, export duty on Indian products is increasing. This trade deal is in America’s interests… Everything will become very clear when details of this deal emerge…,” Jairam Ramesh said.