Cong slams Modi over $500 bn Indo-US trade deal commitment

Congress has attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement that India has committed to purchasing USD 500 billion in American goods over five years. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned why the government has not renounced the 'anti-people' trade deal and accused Modi of appeasing his 'good friend'.

In a post on X, Rubio thanked US diplomats for their work, saying India's commitment focuses on energy, technology and agriculture. Ramesh noted that India's yearly imports from the US are USD 52.9 billion as of FY26, meaning the commitment would require doubling annual imports. He also questioned why key foreign policy announcements are now coming from Washington instead of New Delhi, citing Rubio's earlier role in announcing the Operation Sindoor ceasefire and the Venezuelan President's visit.

Ramesh asked whether the surge in imports would further depreciate the rupee, pointing out that Modi had previously asked citizens to reduce domestic fuel consumption and overseas travel to save foreign exchange.