Last Updated:
Owaisi criticised the US trade deal in Lok Sabha, terming it a disrespect to the India’s sovereignty.
AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi (PTI Image)
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the trade deal signed between India and the United States, terming it a disrespect to the country’s sovereignty.
Owaisi’s reaction came in response to the government’s silence over US President Donald Trump’s executive order imposing a 25 percent tariff on Indian imports if the country directly or indirectly purchases Russian oil.
Questioning why India was lowering itself before the US, Owaisi, while speaking in Lok Sabha, said, “Coming to the US trade deal, Trump signed an executive order – if we directly or indirectly purchase Russian oil, they will impose 25% tariff. Who is this ‘gori chamdi wala’ who will sit there and dictate to us? Did the nation attain freedom for this?”
“We will purchase oil from whoever we want. Who are you to tell us? It is unfortunate that the government is silent. Why are we lowering ourselves before this ‘gori chamdi wala’? Where is our self-respect?” he added.
Additionally, Owaisi raised concerns over India’s trade agreements with the European Union and warned that the country’s industry is at risk of de-industrialisation.
“With the European Union treaty, our PLI [Production Linked Incentive] will be completely impacted because you have lowered the tariffs. You lowered the tariffs on medical devices; you lowered the tariffs on sophisticated machinery. US industrial goods will come in; there is a danger of de-industrialisation in this country. Are we signing a Free Trade Agreement or a forced purchase order?”
US On India’s Purchase Of Russian Oil
Last week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed that India has committed to ending its purchases of Russian oil and will instead source crude oil from the United States.
She added that India may also consider buying oil from Venezuela, a move she said would benefit the American economy.
“As you all saw yesterday, the President struck another great trade deal with India. He spoke with Prime Minister Modi directly; they share a very good relationship. India committed to not only no longer purchasing Russian oil but also buying oil from the United States, and perhaps also from Venezuela, which we know will now have a direct benefit on the United States and the American people,” Leavitt said.
February 12, 2026, 10:27 IST
Read More
