Mayawati urges caution on India–US trade deal, says impact must be judged on ground
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati on Tuesday adopted a cautious stance on the recently announced India–US trade deal, saying it would be premature to draw conclusions without understanding its real impact. She stressed that the true test of the agreement would be how it affects economically vulnerable sections of society.
Context: Trade deal announcement
Trade negotiations between India and the United States had been underway for several months before Donald Trump announced a reduction in tariffs on Indian goods from 50 per cent to 18 per cent. The announcement came during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament in India, drawing sharp political reactions across party lines.
Mayawati’s concerns
In a post on X, Mayawati said that trade agreements between India and the US involve multiple conditions and complexities, making it difficult to assess their benefits immediately. She pointed out that there is currently insufficient information available in the public domain to judge whether the tariff reduction would truly serve the national interest.
She added that only after the policy is implemented would it become clear how much it benefits the country, particularly marginalised communities. According to the BSP leader, groups such as Bahujans, the poor, labourers, farmers and women must see tangible gains for the deal to be considered successful.
Political reactions
While the Centre has welcomed the tariff cut, calling it a relief for Indian trade and industry, opposition parties have expressed reservations. The Congress, in particular, has questioned the lack of transparency in the negotiations and sought clarity on the long-term implications of the agreement.
Mayawati’s remarks place her party in a more measured position, neither fully endorsing nor outright rejecting the deal, but calling for careful scrutiny once its effects are visible on the ground.
Conclusion
With Parliament in session and political debate intensifying, the India–US trade deal continues to face close examination. Mayawati’s response highlights concerns about inclusivity and accountability, signalling that economic decisions of this scale will ultimately be judged by their impact on ordinary citizens.
Our Thoughts
Mayawati’s cautious approach reflects a broader concern shared by many outside the government—that headline tariff reductions do not always translate into real relief for vulnerable communities. As details of the India–US trade deal emerge, its success will depend less on announcements and more on measurable outcomes for farmers, workers and small businesses.