During the budget session of Parliament, Lok Sabha MP and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav made a major attack on the Central Government on Tuesday (February 10, 2026). He surrounded the government in the Lok Sabha and raised questions on many issues including the Union Budget, trade deal with America, border dispute with China and Make in India.

Taking a jibe at the government, he said that the government should first tell whether the deal was made or the budget was made first. Is the budget pudding divided here or there? If this was the deal, then why were we made to wait for 11 months? He said that if we open our market once again, then where will our self-reliance and Swadeshi go. The public wants to know from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) whether zero is bigger or 18.

What did Akhilesh Yadav say on the Union Budget?

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said that this budget is directionless. There is no vision that our country will become developed India by 2047. There is nothing for PDA in this budget. It seems that the government has stopped thinking about them. He said that in 2025 our rank will be 144th. We have been bringing so many budgets for the last 10-11 years, but our per capita income is not increasing. When the budget comes, we look for what is there for our state. There is talk of double engine, but there is nothing special for UP.

The lion of Make in India is rusting: Akhilesh

He said that the way unemployment has increased, the lion of Make in India is getting rusted. Those who fired the bullets are building Ram temple. You changed the name of MNREGA to VB-Ji Ram Ji. The PM of our country had adopted the village, he has left it orphan. This budget is directionless, India will not become developed by 2047, but there will be a lot of injustice to our poor.

Questions raised on budget, inflation and farmers’ issues

Akhilesh Yadav said that all the parties are worried about the farmers, what will happen to our farmers after this deal. When our farmers were fighting against the black laws, the government had to withdraw. Even today farmers have not been able to get legal guarantee (MSP). If this government continues, the poor will not be able to bid farewell to his daughter by putting brass on iron.

He said that in the name of farmers, they benefit invisible people. There is neither mention nor concern for the general public in the budget. Not giving tax exemption even when inflation increases is tax exploitation. The middle class is feeling cheated. Every budget of BJP is considered as one-twenty budget, because it is for only 5 percent of the people. The statue of Ahilyabai Holkar ji was demolished with a bulldozer. The government has demolished not just one statue but nearly 100 temples. An antique bell donated by the King of Nepal is also missing.

SP chief speaks on cleaning of Ganga and Yamuna

He said that not only the bell is missing, one thing resonates about Namami Ganga, Mother Ganga has called. Ganga has not called anyone for the last 11 years, in what condition is Mother Ganga today? If it vomits, you will slowly pass out. Tell us what is the condition of Yamuna today? If Yamuna is dirty in Delhi, then it is dirty in Mathura too, if it gets cleaned further then it joins the waters of Bundelkhand. If the best riverfront has been built, it is Lucknow River Front. If the country’s water gets spoiled, by the time it reaches UP the air of the government also gets spoiled. Let’s say Namaskar, otherwise we can at least show respect.

Deals worth lakhs of crores were signed, how much came on the ground: Akhilesh

The SP chief said that till the time they do not get their right to reservation, neither economic nor social discrimination is being removed from this budget of a developed India. How did Bullet Train become worth Rs 2 lakh crore today? You are destroying the heritage, if you don’t get votes you will destroy the pulses market. They say that they will bring investment, MoUs worth lakhs and crores were signed. How much came on the ground?

He said that the airport scam in Ayodhya started dripping as soon as it was built. The railway station in Kannauj collapsed as soon as it was built. How is your smart city? People died after drinking water in Indore. Scam in bhajan evening venue. How the business of our country got complicated. Our market has been sold completely, China has its eyes on both our market and land.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal shared complete information regarding the trade deal between India and America. He assured that the new trade agreement between India and America will not harm India’s farmers, dairy producers or rural employment.

He said that the government has ensured a tariff structure that protects the most sensitive food sectors of the country. It also opens up vast export opportunities for India’s manufacturing, technology producers and labour-intensive industries.

According to the Union Minister, after Washington reduced the tariffs imposed on many Indian products from around 50 percent to a flat 18 percent, India will have to face lower US tariffs compared to many competing economies. At the same time, India has not opened its markets to any American agricultural exports, which could have become a threat to domestic livelihoods.

He said that this agreement increases India’s export prospects in high-value sectors while keeping farmers completely safe.

1. India kept these areas completely safe

India has given zero tariff concession on many sectors. The tariff will be kept the same as before. This is a key part of the government’s political message.

(i) Food grains and essential agricultural products

India has given full protection to those essential food categories on which the livelihood of millions of farmers depends.

• Wheat
• Rice
• Maize
• soya and oilseeds
• Various categories of poultry and meat
• ethanol
• Tobacco

High tariffs on all these will remain the same as before and no new access will be given to American exporters.

(ii) The entire dairy sector of India

This sector has been described as 100 percent safe.

• Milk (in all forms)
• Thing
• butter
• Ghee
• Cream
• Curd
• buttermilk
• Whey
• Cheese

The government said that no market access has been given for American dairy products.

(iii) Vegetables, Fruits and processed foods

The government said that a long list of fresh, frozen, dried and canned products has been kept completely safe.

• fresh vegetables

Contains potatoes, garlic, mushrooms, bottle gourd, ladyfinger, green chillies, peas, beans, pumpkin and many more.

• processed vegetables

Frozen potatoes, peas and beans, mixed vegetables, canned products, preserved cucumbers and mushrooms.

• Dry Vegetables and Pulses

Dried Onion and Garlic, Dehydrated Powder, Green Peas, Chickpea, Beans, Sweet Potato.

• sensitive fruit

Banana and banana products

Mango and mango products

Citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit

Berry category fruits, which also include strawberries.

(iv) Spices and taste heritage of India

Black pepper, cloves, chilli, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, turmeric, celery, fenugreek, mustard, cassia and other related spice products.

(v) tea

Black tea, green tea and tea bags will remain fully protected to protect India’s prestigious tea industry. According to the government, no changes have been made in agriculture, dairy, spices and tea sectors.

2. India is reducing tariffs on these American imports

These are those sectors which are outside the category of sensitive agriculture.

(i) Industrial and manufactured objects

• machinery
• electricals
• vehicles and their parts
• chemicals

This is in line with India’s policy of promoting manufacturing and exports.

(ii) Technology, Data-center and semiconductor hardware

India is reducing tariffs on all these-

• high-end servers
• AI Hardware and GPU
• data-center equipment
• semiconductor input

Its aim is to make India’s tech and AI infrastructure cheaper and more competitive.

(iii) Non-sensitive agricultural and food products

These products are mainly used by the high income group and are not considered a threat to small farmers.

• Dried Distillers Grains
• Red Sorghums
• tree nuts
• soybean oil
• Select Fruits
• Wine and Spirits

3. What is America giving to India in return??

The US will impose a uniform 18 percent tariff on a large portion of Indian exports, which previously attracted much higher tariffs. The sectors which will benefit from this are:

• Textiles and Apparels
• leather and footwear
• Plastic and Rubber Products
• Home Decor and Carpets
• Machinery and Chemicals
• Handicraft related products
• pharmaceuticals
• gems and diamonds
• aircraft parts

America is also withdrawing the metal security tariff previously imposed on some Indian products.

4. What’s the deal with wine?

In the trade deal between India and America, liquor has not been kept in the protected category but in the open category. It does not directly challenge Indian farmers, hence it has not been included in the sensitive list.

change in tariff

Earlier, duty on imported whiskey, gin, rum and similar spirits was around 150 percent. Under the new India-US and India-EU frameworks, it is expected to reduce to about 30 to 40 percent.

effect on prices

A mid-range Scotch or Bourbon, which costs around Rs 4,500 in Mumbai, may be available for around Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 after the implementation of the new prices.

Who will benefit from this trade deal?

Scotch and Irish whiskey brands will benefit from getting scale at lower prices to the European Union (EU). At the same time, American bourbon brands like Jack Daniels and Jim Beam will now compete in the Indian market against European whiskeys, instead of remaining in the higher bracket as before.

What will be the impact on consumers??

These lower duties will make import of bottled-at-origin spirits practical. With this, customers will get better quality and more options.

Impact on Indian craft spirits

This may increase price pressure on India’s craft whiskey and gin brands. To create a distinct identity in the market, they will have to put more emphasis on their flavors and heritage.

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While announcing the US-India trade deal, US President Donald Trump had claimed that India will now stop buying oil from Russia. The reply of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has come out regarding this. The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday (February 7, 2026) reiterated its old stand regarding the purchase of Russian oil. MEA said that India’s energy security remains the top priority of the government.

The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, ‘Diversifying India’s energy sources is the fundamental basis of our strategy. As far as India’s energy sources are concerned, the government has publicly stated on several occasions that ensuring energy security of 140 crore Indians is the government’s top priority.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, ‘Diversification of energy sources in line with market conditions and the changing international scenario is the mainstay of our strategy. All decisions of India have been taken from this perspective and will be taken in future also.

India again made its stand clear on Russian oil purchase

Actually, America wants India to completely stop buying oil from Russia. In this matter, India made it clear that the country’s energy needs are above any other consideration. This has been India’s consistent stance regarding the purchase of crude oil from Russia. America alleges that Russia uses the money it gets from oil for the Ukraine war. However, Russia has been vehemently denying this allegation.

MEA issued statement after White House’s claim

This statement of the Ministry of External Affairs comes after the White House’s claim that India has committed to stop purchasing oil from Russia directly or through any third country and buy oil from America. This statement was given by America at a time when it had announced the removal of 25 percent additional tariff as a penalty on India for purchasing Russian oil.

What did the Kremlin say about the ban on India’s purchase of Russian oil?

When the Kremlin was asked a question about this, it said that India is free to buy oil from wherever it wants. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is well aware that it is not the only country supplying oil and petroleum products to India. He said that India has always been buying these products from other countries. Therefore we do not find anything new in this.

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US Ambassador to India Sergio Gore has given a statement regarding the US-India trade deal. He called it the beginning of a new day and gave full credit for this agreement to the visionary leadership of US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to him, this agreement will further strengthen the relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Gore said that America and India have agreed on the framework of an interim trade agreement. This framework will further pave the way for a larger bilateral trade agreement (BTA). This process formally started with the meeting of President Trump and Prime Minister Modi on 13 February 2025.

decision to reduce tariff

Under this agreement, India has decided to reduce or eliminate tariffs on many American industrial goods. Also, American food and agricultural products will get better access to the Indian market. This includes animal feed, dried distillers grains, red sorghum, nuts, fresh and processed fruits, soybean oil, wine and other products. This is expected to increase agriculture and food trade between the two countries.

Decision to impose 18 percent duty on some products
America has decided to impose 18 percent duty on some products coming from India. This includes textiles, textile goods, leather, footwear, plastics, rubber, chemicals, home decor items and handicrafts. However, it is a matter of relief that if the agreement moves forward, this duty on generic medicines, diamonds, gems and aircraft parts will be completely removed. This trade deal will also provide relief to the aircraft, auto parts and pharmaceutical industries. America has agreed to remove old duties imposed on some aircraft and their parts coming from India. In return, India will get special concessional facility on auto parts.

Nearly $500 billion deal with America in 5 years

Both countries have also acknowledged that not only taxes but also problems related to rules and procedures become obstacles in trade. Therefore, it has been agreed to reduce barriers related to medical equipment, IT products, agricultural goods and digital trade. India has also planned to buy energy products, aircraft, technical goods and coal worth about $500 billion from America in the next 5 years. This agreement will open new opportunities for employment, investment and technical cooperation for both the countries.

The country’s politics has heated up regarding the interim trade agreement announced between India and America. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has reacted sharply to this deal and targeted both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. He said through a post on the social media platform X that many important things are still not clear in the US-India joint statement, but the information has come to light. They raise concerns about India’s interests.

According to Jairam Ramesh, after this agreement India will no longer import oil from Russia. He also claimed that America has made it clear that if India buys oil from Russia directly or indirectly, a punitive duty of 25 percent can be reimposed on it. The Congress leader says that this decision is like putting pressure on India’s energy security and independent foreign policy.

Concern about the interests of farmers

The Congress leader alleged that under this deal, American farmers will be benefited at the expense of Indian farmers. According to him, India will make a big cut in tariffs on the import of American agricultural products, which may cause losses to domestic farmers. Jairam Ramesh called it a sensitive issue for the agriculture sector.

Claim to change trade balance

Jairam Ramesh says that after this agreement, India’s annual imports from America can increase by almost three times. With this, India’s long standing surplus in goods trade will end. He called it a negative sign for India’s economy.

Uncertainty on IT and services sector

The Congress leader also said that the situation regarding India’s IT and other service exports to America is not clear. According to him, there is no concrete guarantee regarding the service sector in this deal, due to which questions remain on the future of Indian IT companies and professionals.

Accusation of high duty on Indian exports

Jairam Ramesh claimed that India’s commodity exports will now have to face higher tariffs in America than before. He says that this may weaken the competitiveness of Indian exporters.

Political sarcasm and sharp remarks

At the end of his post, Jairam Ramesh took a dig at this entire incident and said that so many hugs and photo-ops did not yield any significant results. He wrote that Howdy Modi overshadowed Namaste Trump and friend was no longer a friend. This comment of the Congress leader is being considered as a direct political attack on the government’s America policy.

It is often seen that whenever a trade deal is finalized, the head of state of another country either comes to India and talks or PM Modi goes to that country and participates in the discussion. In such a situation, the question arises that if PM Modi does not even set foot in any country, can any trade deal be finalized? Let us know what is its process?

How is the deal done without the presence of PM?

Suppose if a trade deal is made between India and any country, then it is not a sudden decision, but is the result of long-running technical and diplomatic discussions. In such cases, it is not necessary for the Prime Minister or the President to be personally present every time. The real work is done by authorized representatives and officials of governments, while top leaders provide political approval and direction.

Who talks on behalf of India in that country?

With whichever country a trade deal is signed, the Indian embassy and commercial wing present there handles such negotiations. The officers posted in this wing represent the business interests of India. These people remain in direct contact with the administration of that country, its trade representatives and related agencies. Issues like tariffs, import-export rules and market access are discussed at these levels.

Who signs the deal?

This type of trade deal is not completed with the signature of any one person. Usually such a deal is in the form of a framework or agreement, which is accepted by the authorized officials of both the countries. From the Indian side, the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of External Affairs and senior trade representatives of that country finalize the documents.

What is the role of the Prime Minister?

Whatever the issue, the role of the Prime Minister of the country is strategic and political. During any trade deal, it is kept in mind that there is no compromise with the interests of the country, but it remains ready to cooperate with the other country.

When is a deal considered final?

It is important to understand that the agreement of any trade deal is very broad. Many conditions, such as reducing non-tariff barriers or future purchase figures, may be implemented in a phased manner. This means that in future also the officials of both the countries will sit and decide its detailed rules. All these things depend on the final legal provisions of the deal.

Also read: Can’t America impose additional tariff after trade deal, know what are its rules?

Opposition party Congress has raised questions regarding the trade deal signed between India and America on Monday. It was asked from the opposition that if this was such a big diplomatic victory, then why was it not announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi? After all, why did US President Donald Trump reveal this on social media Truth Social? He asked whether India kept silence under pressure from America? Now Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal answered these questions of the opposition in the press conference organized.

Congress had sieged the government on this issue
Earlier, Congress had tried to corner the government on this issue. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and other opposition leaders had asked that when such a big decision was taken for the country, why did Prime Minister Narendra Modi not address the nation?

The opposition alleges that Trump has written in his post that India will reduce duty on American goods to zero. This is a kind of surrender. While Trump is celebrating his victory, the Indian government is silently accepting his conditions. Therefore the announcement has come from Washington.

Piyush Goyal gave this answer in the press conference

On this, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that America had imposed tariff. This decision was also his. They will reduce it. When he reduced the tariff, it is natural that he had to give this information to the world.

He said that the problem started from America’s side. Now that the solution has been found, Trump, as the party giving relief, had to say that he has changed his terms.

Apart from this, the Union Minister has denied the allegations of surrender of Congress. He explained that in diplomacy it is not always necessary to make noise. Trump had imposed tariffs on India in the middle of 2025. It was 50%. Then there was a stir in the whole world. It was being called tariff war. At that time, PM Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs had exercised restraint. There was no retaliatory action or sharp statements. The result of this is that the tariff has been reduced from 50% to 18%.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed NDA MPs in the NDA parliamentary party meeting. He said that the budget presented by the Central Government has been prepared keeping in mind not just the next one-two years, but the coming 25 years. The Prime Minister appealed to the MPs to go to their respective areas and explain to the public the special features of this budget and tell them that this budget has been made keeping in mind the goal of a developed India.

PM Modi also mentioned the current political situation in the meeting. He said that many small political parties across the country are joining the NDA and their number has reached more than 50 percent. The Prime Minister said that this is proof that the political thinking and policies of NDA are being accepted not only in the country but also at the international level.

Trade deal between India and America also discussed

The Prime Minister also talked about the trade deal between India and America. He told the MPs that this trade agreement will prove to be very beneficial for the country in the coming times. This will promote industries, increase investment and create new employment opportunities. PM Modi said that even though there was criticism regarding this deal in the beginning, the government remained patient and today its positive result has emerged. In the meeting, PM Modi directed all the MPs to be regularly present in the proceedings of Parliament and actively participate in the discussions. He said that strong and positive participation in Parliament strengthens democracy.

Talk of giving special emphasis on manufacturing sector

The Prime Minister talked about laying special emphasis on the manufacturing sector in the coming times. He said that now the focus will have to be on increasing maximum production in the country and making high quality products. This will help in making India a strong global manufacturing hub. Overall, Prime Minister Modi gave a clear message in this meeting on important issues like budget, trade deal, political support and industrial development and appealed to the MPs to convey it to the public.

Talk on importance of India-America trade deal

Discussed in detail the importance of India-US trade deal in the NDA parliamentary party meeting. He told how important the trade agreement with America is for the country and it will greatly benefit Indian industry, exports and employment. The Prime Minister said that with this deal, Made in India products will get a new identity in the international market and India’s economic strength will be further strengthened. In the meeting, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gave detailed information about the budget to all the leaders. He shared the highlights, priorities and provisions of the budget for the common people, farmers, youth and industries. Nirmala Sitharaman said that this budget has been prepared keeping in mind development, investment and employment, so that the country’s economy can be taken forward.

Also happy on the victory in Municipal Corporation elections

Prime Minister Modi also expressed happiness over the victory in the Municipal Corporation elections in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He said that this victory is the result of patience and understanding. The Prime Minister said, ‘The opposition continued to attack us, but we maintained our patience. Today we have got the fruits of that restraint and intelligence. He appealed to the workers and leaders to do calm and positive politics in this manner. According to sources, in the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju raised the issue of Rahul Gandhi’s behavior in the Lok Sabha. He said that Rahul Gandhi’s conduct was against the dignity of Parliament. Despite repeated requests from the chair, he did not follow through, which is not right.

Prime Minister Modi gave important suggestions in the meeting

Prime Minister Modi gave another important suggestion in the meeting. He said that there should be a conference of manufacturing units in every district of the country. This will promote local industries, provide a platform to small businessmen and strengthen the “Make in India” campaign at the grassroots level.

Also read: India-US Trade Deal: Trump’s trade deal causes historic tsunami in Indian stock market

Positive reactions are emerging at the international level regarding the new trade agreement between India and America. Former America’s Assistant US Trade Representative and senior trade expert Mark Linscott has called this agreement an important step for both the countries. According to him, the announcement of this deal was pending for a long time and its finally coming out is a matter of relief.

In an interview to ANI, Mark Linscott said that when he heard the news of this trade agreement, his first reaction was that it was finally done. He admitted that it took more time than expected to finalize this agreement, but now its announcement will give new strength to the trade relations between the two countries.

#WATCH | Washington DC | Regarding the QUAD Summit and the probability of any upcoming leader-level meeting as a US-India trade deal finalises, Former Assistant US Trade Representative Mark Linscott says, “I hope that might be the case. It appeared that proceeding with a Quad… pic.twitter.com/NM5mTb3snk

— ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2026

India-America trade talks were going on for a long time

According to Linscott, India and America were working on this agreement for a long time. By July 2024, both the countries had come very close to agreement on many issues, but for some important decisions, talks at the political level were necessary. He said that in such big agreements, mere talks between officials are not enough, but direct participation of the top leadership is necessary. This is the reason why this trade agreement could be finalized only when talks took place between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Impact of Trump’s strict trade policy also visible

Mark Linscott also admitted that US President Donald Trump’s strict and aggressive trade policy also played an important role in this agreement. According to him, Trump’s strategy intensified trade talks with many countries and did similar work with India. Despite this, Linscott says that there has always been a belief between India and America that both the countries can progress economically together. The needs and potential of both the economies complement each other.

This agreement will bring two big economies closer

Former American official said that America is currently the largest economy in the world, while India is moving rapidly towards becoming the third largest economy in the coming time. In such a situation, the trade agreement between the two countries will not only increase trade but will also strengthen investment and technical cooperation. According to him, this deal will help in bringing the two countries closer economically and its effect will also be visible in the global trade balance.

The work is not over yet, a big compromise is needed

However, Mark Linscott also made it clear that this agreement is not the final destination. He said that going forward, India and America will also have to work towards a comprehensive and strong bilateral trade agreement. He reminded that during the meeting held in Washington in February 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump had agreed to work on a major trade agreement in the future. The current deal is being considered an important step in that direction.

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The trade deal between India and America has been stuck for a long time. In such a situation, now a new issue can increase this controversy. The reason for this is the import duty imposed by India on America’s pulses. America’s senator has written a letter to President Donald Trump calling this 30% duty unfair. Also requested to put pressure on India to remove it.

This import duty imposed by India is being considered as a reply to the 50% tariff imposed by Trump. Now in such a situation, the negotiations on the trade deal between India and America are likely to become more complicated.

India had imposed tariff on pulses in October 2025

Senators Kevin Cramer of North Dakota and Steve Daines of Montana said that India had imposed 30% tariff on American yellow peas on October 30 last year. It came into effect from 1 November. This decision did not go unnoticed. Nor did the Indian government publicize it. This step of India is being considered as a silent counterattack.

The letter written on January 16 states that India had announced on October 30 that it would impose a 30% tariff on yellow peas imported from the US. This tariff has come into effect from November 1. American pulse producers are facing losses due to unfair tariffs imposed by India.

Dakota and Montana important for agriculture based states

It is written in the letter that this issue is important for agricultural states like Dakota and Montana. In America, production of peas and pulses is more in these states. India is the largest consumer of pulses in the world. The percentage is about 27% compared to world consumption.
The senator has said that the most consumed pulses in India are lentils, gram, dry beans and peas. They have imposed huge tariffs on American pulses.

Agriculture and dairy products are red lines in trade deal

The trade deal between India and America is stuck. This is because agriculture and dairy products, which are red lines for India. According to experts, Indian farmers are a red line. If a trade deal demands opening up India’s pulses market at the expense of domestic producers, the trade deal will not happen.