Congress MP Manish Tewari has given an adjournment notice for suspension of business in the Lok Sabha to discuss “reported reduction of tariffs by India under external pressure” and asked the government to explain the matter in Parliament.
In the notice, Tewari said there are concerns about the circumstances under which these tariff concessions are reported to have been made.
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“Recent statements by the President of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump, indicate that India has agreed to significant tariff reductions, raising concerns about the circumstances under which these commitments were made. While enhancing trade relations with the United States is a legitimate objective, such concessions must be made in a manner that upholds India’s economic interests and strategic autonomy,” the adjournment notice read.
It asked the government to clarify in Parliament the precise nature of these concessions.
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“It is imperative that the Government clarifies the rationale behind these tariff reductions, particularly in agriculture and other critical sectors such as electric vehicles, and ensures that such measures do not unduly benefit foreign industries at the expense of domestic enterprises. Transparency in trade negotiations is essential to protect national economic interests and to maintain a balanced approach towards international commitments,” the notice read.
“Given the seriousness of the issue, I urge the Government to apprise the House about the considerations that led to these tariff reductions and the safeguards being put in place to prevent any adverse impact on Indian industries. This matter holds national significance as it directly pertains to the country’s economic sovereignty and trade policy,” it added.