MUMBAI — All India Congress Committee general secretary Sachin Pilot declared the India-US trade pact a threat to farmers and national sovereignty. Speaking at a press conference, he charged that the agreement throttles India’s 144 crore people by prioritizing American interests.

Pilot insisted trade deals should promote economic progress on equal terms and mutual benefit. He rejected pacts that sacrifice sovereignty, calling them unacceptable steps toward slavery. The Congress leader targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration for damaging farmers, agriculture and energy security through the deal.

Serious concerns surround digital autonomy and data privacy under the agreement, Pilot said. He noted the US announced the pact first, much like former President Donald Trump once declared a ceasefire on India’s behalf. Pilot questioned whether India has a strong government or a compelled one, self-reliant India or America-reliant India.

American maize, sorghum, soybean, oilseeds, cotton, fruits and dry fruits will enter India duty-free, Pilot warned. Cotton imports will crush growers in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and Karnataka. Fruit and dry fruit farmers in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir and elsewhere face ruin.

Allowing genetically modified crops and dismantling non-tariff barriers will erode farmer subsidies and biodiversity, he added. Pilot also criticized pressure on India to avoid cheap crude oil from Russia and Iran, sources of much of India’s imports. Opting for pricier US oil undermines energy security and sovereignty, he argued.

India faces accusations of committing to $500 billion in US purchases over five years, Pilot said. US farm goods enter at zero percent duty, while Indian products pay 18 percent in the US. Bangladesh enjoys zero percent access there, he pointed out.

The BJP celebrates the lopsided deal despite its flaws, Pilot said. He demanded the government explain to the nation whether the pact stems from equality or coercion.