“No One Has Ever Been Born Who Can Buy India,” Kiren Rijiju Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks on Trade Deal

New Delhi: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly reacted in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Central government had “sold the country to the United States” through the proposed India–US trade agreement.

Responding sharply to Gandhi’s remarks, Rijiju said, “No one has ever been born who can buy India.” His statement came amid heated exchanges in the House during the ongoing discussion on the Union Budget.

Rijiju Demands Proof of Allegations

As the debate intensified, Rijiju warned Gandhi against making serious allegations without evidence. He insisted that the Congress leader must substantiate every claim made in Parliament.

“You have made allegations, and you will have to prove them. What you have said will have serious consequences, so you must certify and substantiate your statements,” Rijiju told the House.

Gandhi responded by saying that he would provide proof and further clarify his argument.

Rahul Gandhi’s Attack on India–US Trade Deal

During his Budget speech, Rahul Gandhi questioned the government’s handling of the India–US trade deal, alleging that the agreement was not negotiated on equal terms. He claimed that the deal compromised India’s sovereignty and national interest.

“The trade deal has not been made on equal terms. The government should be ashamed that it has sold Bharat Mata,” Gandhi said, sparking uproar.

He further claimed that the agreement had crushed the interests of Indian farmers, adding that no Prime Minister in India’s history had ever taken such a step, nor would any future Prime Minister do so.

‘India’s Data is America’s Biggest Interest,’ Claims Gandhi

Gandhi also highlighted the global power rivalry between the United States and China, asserting that India’s data has become the most valuable strategic asset in this competition.

“In the contest between America and China, the most important factor is India’s data. If America wants to remain a superpower and protect the dollar, then India’s data is extremely important for them,” he said.

Rejecting the view that India’s population is a burden, Gandhi described it as the nation’s biggest strength.

“Some say population is a tragedy, but I say it is power,” he remarked.

‘We Would Have Negotiated as Equals,’ Gandhi Says

The Congress leader argued that if the Opposition-led INDIA alliance were in power, it would have negotiated with the US as an equal partner rather than from a position of submission.

“We would have told the American President that the biggest capital for protecting the dollar lies with the Indian people — their data. We would have spoken as equals. We would have said you cannot speak to us as if we are your servants,” Gandhi said.

Tariff Claims and Energy Security Concerns

Gandhi also alleged that tariffs on Indian products in the US had increased significantly. He claimed that duties had risen from around 3 percent to 18 percent, amounting to a sixfold jump, while tariffs on American products in India were allegedly reduced from 16 percent to zero.

He further claimed that the trade agreement could allow the US to influence India’s oil purchase decisions.

“America will decide from whom we buy oil, not Prime Minister Modi,” he alleged.

Opposition Warns of Risks to National Interests

Concluding his remarks, Gandhi urged the government to safeguard India’s people, data, food supply chain, and energy systems, alleging that the Budget acknowledges the weaponisation of energy and finance globally but fails to offer any concrete policy response.

The debate led to intense exchanges between the Treasury benches and the Opposition, reflecting the deep political divide over the proposed India–US trade arrangement.