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Gandhi Slams US Trade Deal as "Sellout"

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 5:22 GMT by The Hans India
      Locales: INDIA, UNITED STATES

New Delhi, February 17th, 2026 - A firestorm of political debate has erupted in India following Congressman Rahul Gandhi's assertion that the recently finalized trade agreement with the United States represents a damaging "sellout" of Indian interests. Gandhi's claims have ignited a renewed scrutiny of the deal's provisions, particularly concerning intellectual property rights, data localization policies, and broader trade-related concessions. The controversy has, notably, prompted comparisons to the contentious India-US nuclear deal negotiated during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2008, raising uncomfortable parallels about the balance between international cooperation and national sovereignty.

Gandhi's core argument centers on the belief that the current agreement cedes too much control to US corporations and compromises India's ability to independently chart its economic course. He alleges that the government has prioritized securing closer ties with Washington at the expense of protecting domestic industries and potentially undermining India's strategic autonomy. While the specifics of Gandhi's concerns remain subject to ongoing political maneuvering, they tap into a deep-seated anxiety within segments of the Indian public and political opposition regarding the potential implications of increased economic integration with the US.

The echoes of the 2008 nuclear deal are proving particularly resonant. That agreement, while hailed by proponents as a crucial step in bolstering India's energy security and strengthening the Indo-US strategic partnership, was met with fierce opposition. Critics at the time argued that it involved significant concessions, including allowing US companies a greater role in India's burgeoning nuclear power sector and negotiating complex liability clauses in the event of an accident. The deal also prompted concerns about India's non-proliferation commitments and its potential impact on regional security dynamics.

"There are striking parallels between the current trade deal and the concessions made during the UPA era," a former Indian diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained. "In both instances, the government found itself navigating a difficult terrain, balancing the benefits of closer ties with the US against the need to safeguard domestic interests. Both deals necessitated compromises on established policy frameworks and potentially exposed certain domestic industries to increased competition."

However, defenders of the current trade agreement maintain that it is a vital step toward fostering stronger economic ties with the United States, a relationship increasingly crucial in a rapidly changing global landscape. They argue that the concessions made are manageable and do not fundamentally threaten India's strategic interests. Proponents emphasize the potential benefits of increased US investment, technology transfer, and job creation, pointing to the potential for the deal to stimulate economic growth and enhance India's competitiveness on the world stage.

"All trade agreements involve a degree of give and take," asserted a leading trade expert. "The advantages of a deeper economic partnership with the US - increased foreign direct investment, expanded export opportunities, and enhanced innovation - significantly outweigh the compromises that have been made. It's about finding a balance that benefits both countries."

The political ramifications of the trade deal are becoming increasingly pronounced. The Opposition Congress party, under Gandhi's leadership, is seizing upon the controversy to sharpen its attacks on the ruling government, portraying it as overly accommodating to US interests. The government, in turn, is vigorously defending the deal, framing it as a mutually beneficial arrangement that will strengthen India's economic resilience and promote long-term growth. This is further complicated by the upcoming general election, scheduled for late 2027, where economic policy and national sovereignty are likely to be key battlegrounds.

The debate is expected to intensify in the coming weeks and months as the trade agreement undergoes rigorous scrutiny in Parliament and comes under the microscope of public opinion. Civil society groups, industry associations, and think tanks are all weighing in, offering their perspectives on the potential implications of the deal. The recall of the UPA's nuclear concessions adds a layer of historical context, prompting voters to question the government's negotiating tactics and its commitment to protecting India's long-term interests. The situation remains fluid, and the ultimate fate of the India-US trade deal will depend on the ability of both sides to address the concerns raised by critics and build a broader consensus around its benefits. It also raises larger questions about the nature of trade negotiations in a globalized world - and the constant tension between national sovereignty and international cooperation.