India Must Negotiate With US on Equal Terms, Says Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday set out the position the opposition alliance would take while engaging with US President Donald Trump on the recent trade understanding between the two countries. He argued that India must negotiate from a position of equality and not accept terms that compromise national interests.
Addressing the issue in New Delhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said the proposed arrangement appeared less like a conventional free trade agreement and more like a pre decided purchase plan. He echoed concerns raised within his party that such a framework weakens the principle of reciprocity in international commerce.
Gandhi explained that if the INDIA alliance were in charge of negotiations, it would adopt a firm but friendly approach. According to him, the first message to President Trump would be that India respects the United States and is willing to support efforts to protect the strength of the American dollar. At the same time, he stressed that India possesses valuable economic and digital assets that play a crucial role in the global financial system.
The Congress leader insisted that any access to India’s market or data must be based on mutual respect. He said the country cannot be treated as a subordinate partner and must be engaged on equal terms. In his view, national self respect should be at the core of every international deal.
His remarks come amid a political debate over the interim trade framework announced recently. Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had earlier described the proposal as heavily tilted and questioned whether it truly served India’s long term interests. Opposition parties have demanded greater transparency about the commitments being discussed.
The government, however, has maintained that the agreement is balanced and will expand economic cooperation with the United States. Officials have said details will become clearer once the final text is concluded in the coming weeks.
Gandhi reiterated that trade relations should strengthen India’s economy rather than create dependence. He urged the Centre to negotiate with confidence and ensure that the dignity of the nation remains non negotiable.