Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday criticised the Centre over the proposed US-India trade deal, alleging it would severely hurt India’s textile sector.
Addressing the House, Gandhi claimed that under the arrangement, Indian textiles would face an 18% tariff in the United States, while Bangladesh would enjoy zero tariffs.
Calling it a “surrender” to US conditions, he argued that the disparity would make Indian manufacturers uncompetitive.
Referring to a recent visit to a textile factory in Gurugram, Gandhi said industry representatives had expressed concerns about survival amid rising tariff pressures.
He warned that if Bangladesh continues to receive preferential access, particularly on cotton imports, India’s textile industry could face significant setbacks in the global market.
