Who Is Trump to Tell Us? Owaisi Slams Centre Over Russia Oil and India–US Trade Deal

New Delhi | 

AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi launched a sharp attack on the central government in the Lok Sabha during a debate on the proposed India–US trade agreement, questioning its silence over alleged American pressure regarding oil imports from Russia.

Referring to an executive order issued by US President Donald Trump on February 6, Owaisi argued that certain provisions, particularly Section 4, amounted to interference in India’s sovereign decision-making. He claimed that the United States was pressuring India to halt oil purchases from Russia.

Opposition to Alleged US Pressure on Oil Imports

Owaisi highlighted what he described as a threat of a 25% tariff if India continued importing oil from Russia. “America is saying that if India buys oil from Russia, it will impose a 25% tariff. Who is Trump to decide from whom we should buy oil?” he asked in the House.

Raising the issue of national sovereignty, Owaisi said, “Did we gain independence so that someone sitting abroad can dictate our policies? I will buy oil from whomever I choose.”

He also cited the 2019 decision to stop importing oil from Iran under US pressure, calling it a mistake. According to him, similar pressure is now being exerted regarding Russia.

Warning of ‘De-Industrialisation’

Owaisi described the trade negotiations as a “forced purchase agreement” rather than a genuine free trade deal. He warned that the agreement could have serious consequences for Indian industries, particularly small and traditional sectors.

He expressed concern that Bangladesh might import cotton from the United States at zero tariff instead of sourcing it from India, thereby hurting Indian exporters. He also cautioned that the powerloom sector in cities such as Bhiwandi, Malegaon, and Varanasi could suffer significant losses if cheaper American goods entered the market.

According to Owaisi, the deal could weaken India’s self-reliance and increase American economic dominance.

Questions to the Government

Challenging the government directly, Owaisi asked, “Are you signing a free trade agreement, or are you entering into a purchase deal under pressure? Why is the government silent on this issue?”

His remarks have intensified the political debate over India’s trade policies and foreign relations, with opposition parties demanding that the draft of the proposed trade agreement be made public.

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