Congress Launches Fresh Allegations Against PM Modi On India–US Trade Deal, Says ‘Make America Great Again’

A political row has erupted over the proposed India-US trade understanding after Congress leaders questioned the details mentioned in a recent White House fact sheet.

Senior Congress leaders Pawan Khera and party president Mallikarjun Kharge have alleged that new provisions mentioned in the American document differ from the earlier joint statement issued by both countries.

Their remarks have sparked a fresh debate on the possible impact of the trade arrangement on Indian farmers, strategic autonomy and key sectors of the economy.

Congress flags changes in US fact sheet

Congress leader Pawan Khera, in a post on social media, claimed that the White House fact sheet released on February 9, 2026, listed several agricultural and industrial products for which India may reduce or eliminate tariffs.

These reportedly include dried distillers grains, red sorghum, tree nuts, fruits, soybean oil, wine, spirits and certain pulses.

However, Khera said that "certain pulses" were not mentioned in the India-US joint statement issued on February 6. He also pointed out that the earlier statement had specified that red sorghum imports would be "for animal feed purposes," a condition he claims was absent in the later American document.

"Within just three days, pulses were quietly added to the agreement and the condition restricting the use of red sorghum was removed," Khera said. He added that the list shared earlier by the government "was neither final nor complete" and appeared to be expanding gradually.

Khera further alleged that the changes would benefit American export interests while affecting Indian farmers. "It now appears to be a rolling and expandable list... and Indian farmers are the ones paying the price," he said.

Kharge raises concerns over farmers and oil imports

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also criticised the proposed trade arrangement, calling it a "trap deal" and raising concerns about multiple sectors. In a statement on social media, Kharge questioned whether India had made commitments related to Russian oil purchases.

"We were told the joint statement said nothing on Russian oil... now the White House fact sheet clearly lists India's commitment to stop purchasing Russian Federation oil as a condition for removal of additional tariffs," Kharge said. He asked why such a commitment, if true, was agreed upon.

Kharge also expressed concern about the potential impact on Indian agriculture. He said the inclusion of pulses and other agricultural imports in the fact sheet could open domestic markets to foreign products. "For the first time in India's history, a government has completely opened our agriculture to foreign goods," he claimed.

The Congress leader also flagged possible effects on dairy farmers, alleging that imports of certain feed products could impact local cattle and milk production. He warned that millions of farmers could be affected if such provisions are implemented without safeguards.

Debate intensifies over trade deal

The Congress has demanded clarity from the government regarding the differences between the joint statement and the US fact sheet. The opposition claims that the agreement could affect farmers, strategic autonomy and several domestic industries if not carefully negotiated.

So far, there has been no detailed response from the government on the specific allegations. The India-US trade understanding continues to be closely watched by political leaders, industry experts and farmer groups.

As discussions continue, the controversy has turned into a major political talking point, with opposition leaders calling for transparency and the government expected to respond in the coming days.