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Trump's Trade Deal Claims Face Scrutiny

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 11:39 GMT by ThePrint
      Locales: UNITED STATES, INDIA

New Delhi, February 8th, 2026 - Claims of an imminent US-India trade deal announced by former US President Donald Trump are facing sharp criticism and skepticism, with the Indian National Congress dismissing the assertions as unfounded. The controversy erupts amidst a heated US presidential election cycle, raising questions about the timing and motivations behind Trump's announcement.

Trump recently stated that a comprehensive trade agreement between the US and India is nearing completion, boasting it would be a landmark deal - a "father of all deals," echoing a phrase he frequently used during his previous presidency. However, Congress spokesperson Gourav Vallabh vehemently refuted these claims during a press conference today. "This deal, as described by the former president, simply does not exist. There is no such comprehensive agreement currently under negotiation or finalized," Vallabh stated. "To suggest otherwise is misleading and potentially manipulative."

Vallabh's remarks weren't simply a denial; they were laced with pointed questions about the political context of the announcement. "The timing is highly suspect," he emphasized. "Why publicize a non-existent deal on the cusp of the US presidential elections? Is this a desperate attempt to leverage foreign policy successes, real or imagined, to bolster his campaign?" The implication is that Trump's announcement is less about genuine progress in trade negotiations and more about political posturing.

The purported deal, as outlined in reports following Trump's statement, was said to encompass key sectors including agriculture, intellectual property rights, and expanded market access for goods and services. However, trade analysts have consistently pointed to the persistent hurdles that have plagued these negotiations for years.

Years of Stalled Negotiations: A History of Disagreement

The origins of this protracted trade discussion stretch back to 2018, when initial talks began with the ambition of significantly deepening economic ties between the world's two largest democracies. However, progress has been consistently hampered by fundamental disagreements on several critical issues. Tariffs on agricultural products, particularly Indian agricultural goods entering the US market, have remained a major sticking point. The US has historically sought greater access to the Indian agricultural market, while India has advocated for reduced tariffs and non-tariff barriers on its exports.

Intellectual property protection, a perennial source of contention in US trade relations, has also proven challenging. The US has pushed for stricter enforcement of intellectual property rights in India, arguing that current laws and practices are inadequate. India, on the other hand, has emphasized the need to balance intellectual property protection with access to affordable medicines and technologies, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals.

In 2019, a limited "interim" trade deal was signed, addressing a handful of specific issues and offering a glimmer of hope for future progress. This agreement focused primarily on restoring duty concessions on certain products and included commitments on medical device approvals. However, the core, more complex issues - including agricultural tariffs and intellectual property - remained largely unresolved. Subsequent rounds of negotiations have failed to bridge the gap, with both sides expressing frustration and occasionally withdrawing from the table.

Expert Analysis: Skepticism Remains High

Trade analysts are largely unconvinced by Trump's claims. "While discussions have been ongoing for several years, characterizing the current situation as a 'father of all deals' is a significant exaggeration," stated Dr. Anya Sharma, a trade policy expert at the Institute for Global Economic Studies. "There hasn't been a demonstrable breakthrough, and the fundamental disagreements persist. Trump's comments are almost certainly a political maneuver designed to project an image of successful deal-making during his campaign."

Another analyst, Mr. Rajiv Khanna, specializing in US-India trade relations, added, "The US and India have a complex relationship, built on strategic partnership but often complicated by economic differences. The desire for a comprehensive trade deal exists on both sides, but the practical challenges are immense. A truly 'comprehensive' agreement is still years away, if achievable at all, given the current political and economic landscape."

Looking Ahead: Political Gamesmanship and Economic Realities The coming months will be crucial in discerning the true status of US-India trade negotiations. While the Indian government has yet to officially respond to Trump's claims, the Congress's strong rebuke highlights the sensitivity surrounding the issue. The outcome of the US presidential election will undoubtedly influence the trajectory of these talks, and any potential deal will likely be shaped by the priorities of the incoming administration. For now, the "father of all deals" remains largely a rhetorical flourish, overshadowed by political maneuvering and the enduring complexities of international trade.