BJP leader Gaurav Vallabh on Monday criticised Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his video statement concerning the India–US interim trade agreement, alleging that the Congress leader’s remarks overlook key economic principles and practical aspects of the deal.
Addressing the media in Jaipur, Vallabh said that the United States has imposed an 18 per cent tariff on Indian goods, compared to 19 per cent on Bangladesh. He argued that such comparisons, however, do not reflect the full framework of the agreement. Referring to the “yarn-forward parity clause,” Vallabh explained that if cotton is imported from the US into India and textile products are manufactured using that cotton, the tariff on the cotton component would be zero.
According to the BJP leader, Rahul Gandhi’s comparison of the general tariff rate with the specific provisions under the yarn-forward clause creates confusion and does not accurately represent the structure of the trade arrangement. Vallabh stated that trade agreements must be assessed in terms of sector-specific provisions, supply chain benefits, and long-term economic strategy.
He further said that the agreement aims to support domestic manufacturing and strengthen India’s position in global value chains, particularly in the textile sector. Vallabh maintained that economic discussions should be grounded in policy details and established trade principles.
The Congress has raised concerns over aspects of the trade deal, arguing that national interest and industry safeguards must be carefully examined. The exchange reflects continuing political debate over the implications of the India–US interim trade framework and its impact on domestic sectors.
