Jammu, Feb 12, KNT: CPI(M) legislator Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Thursday criticized the trade agreement with the United States, terming it detrimental to India’s economic interests and sovereignty.
Speaking to reporters outside the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Tarigami said the trade deal was not in the larger interest of the country and would have long-term negative consequences. He alleged that the agreement was not based on equality but dictated by the United States, claiming it had placed India in a disadvantaged position.
“The people of the country will come to realize the loss and negative impact of this trade deal,” he said, adding that it was the responsibility of political parties and public representatives to raise their voice and highlight what he described as its costs.
Tarigami asserted that the agreement offered no tangible benefits and warned that it could adversely affect key sectors of the economy. He further alleged that the deal compromised India’s sovereignty, saying it was not negotiated on equal footing.
The CPI(M) leader called for greater transparency in trade negotiations and urged the government to safeguard national interests while entering into international agreements. [KNT]
