Goyal, Jaishankar passing the buck: AAP says question on US trade deal not answered

The Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday attacked the Centre over the United States trade arrangement, alleging that Union ministers S Jaishankar and Piyush Goyal were “passing the buck” on key questions, including whether New Delhi had agreed to stop buying oil from Russia.

The AAP said Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had earlier in the day deflected a query on the reported oil condition, saying the matter would be answered by the external affairs ministry. The AAP pointed out that two days ago, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had, when asked about the trade pact, said the commerce minister would respond.

“This shows the deal has been rushed through and even ministers of the Government of India are not aware of its details. What was the reason for such haste?” the party asked.

India and the US have announced a framework for the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs and boosting two-way commerce. According to a joint statement, the US will bring down duties on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 50 per cent, while India will eliminate or cut tariffs on a range of American industrial, food and agricultural products.

The first phase of the agreement is expected to be signed by mid-March. Once implemented, India would either remove duties immediately on some items or phase them out over time, while in certain sectors tariff cuts or quotas would apply.

The US, through a separate executive order, has also removed additional tariffs linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil after New Delhi committed to stopping direct or indirect imports from Moscow. American authorities will monitor compliance and may consider reimposing duties if purchases resume, the order mentioned.

Speaking on the pact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the interim arrangement would strengthen Make in India, create opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs, and generate jobs for women and youth.

Goyal has said the understanding opens up a USD 30 trillion market for Indian exporters, particularly MSMEs, farmers and fishermen, as US duties will fall sharply. He has also maintained that sensitive agricultural and dairy sectors have been fully protected.

The opposition party, including AAP, targeted the Centre and said there was no clarity over whether India would continue to buy oil from Russia or not.

“During today's press conference, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in the Modi government was asked about the condition in the trade deal to not buy oil from Russia. In response, Piyush Goyal says the Foreign Minister will explain about this. Meanwhile, two days earlier, when the Foreign Minister was asked about the trade deal, he had said Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will answer about this. These responses given by the ministers of the Modi government indicate that the trade deal with America was done in extreme haste, and even the ministers of the Indian government do not know about it,” AAP said.