Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday launched a sharp attack against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his criticism of the recently announced India-US trade agreement, accusing
him of “misleading the nation” and displaying “double standards” on key national issues.
Addressing reporters in Delhi, Goyal said that until recently, several Opposition leaders had been questioning the government over delays in finalising the US trade deal but were now criticising it after its conclusion.
“I am amazed by Rahul Gandhi’s double standards. He is trying to mislead the country,” Goyal said, alleging that the Congress leader was opposed to development and public welfare.
“It is a great misfortune that negative-minded leaders like Rahul Gandhi are trying to mislead or confuse the country today. I condemn Rahul Gandhi’s lies and deceit. He wants to mislead people, but it won’t work. The country is moving forward. They have no interest in making India the fastest-growing economy in the world,” Goyal said.
#WATCH | Delhi: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, says, “… It is a great misfortune that negative-minded leaders like Rahul Gandhi are trying to mislead or confuse the country today. I condemn Rahul Gandhi’s lies and deceit. He wants to mislead people, but… pic.twitter.com/eQeFM5FpiV
— ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2026
The minister further accused Rahul Gandhi of repeatedly making baseless allegations and undermining national institutions.
“Just as India became one of the ‘fragile five’ during the UPA years, if Rahul Gandhi gets a chance, he will push the country back into the same situation,” Goyal claimed, adding that the Congress leader did not trust India’s armed forces and jawans.
India-US Trade Deal
US President Donald Trump on Monday announced the India-US trade deal, stating that tariffs on Indian goods would be reduced to 18 per cent from 50 per cent.
Trump also claimed that India had agreed to multiple measures, including reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, curbing Russian oil trade, and purchasing over $500 billion worth of US goods across sectors such as energy, agriculture, technology and coal.
Responding to the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the reduction in tariffs, calling it “wonderful news” in a post on X, and thanked President Trump on behalf of the people of India.
Rahul Gandhi Calls Out Govt
Rahul Gandhi levelled serious allegations against PM Modi, claiming the Prime Minister had signed the trade deal under pressure.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament amid continued disruptions over his attempt to raise the China issue and reference a former Army Chief’s unpublished memoir, Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister’s image could be damaged due to the agreement.
“The trade deal was stuck for four months. Nothing has changed, but for reasons that Mr Modi and I both know, he signed it last evening. There is immense pressure on him,” Gandhi said, adding that the Prime Minister was “rattled” and had been “compromised.”
‘Truly A Deal’: Piyush Goyal
Praising PM Modi’s leadership, Goyal said the trade agreement had been finalised keeping national and public interest at the forefront.
“Today, every Indian is thanking Prime Minister Modi for securing a strong trade deal with the United States, something the country had been waiting for over many months,” he said.
“It’s truly a deal that every Indian was waiting for. Every India is thanking PM Modi,” he said.
The minister added that Prime Minister Modi’s close diplomatic engagement with US President Donald Trump had helped secure what he described as the best trade agreement India had achieved compared to its competitors and neighbouring countries.
“This deal will open immense opportunities for India’s economy and benefit farmers, fishermen, workers, women, youth and the poor,” Goyal said.
Piyush Goyal assured that a joint statement with detailed information would be issued soon, adding that the details would be shared once the final understanding is reached and the technical process is completed.
