PM Modi honored at NDA Parliamentary Party gathering for the US trade agreement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a rousing reception at the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting today, where lawmakers celebrated his pivotal role in securing a major trade agreement with the United States. The event highlighted growing enthusiasm within the ruling coalition over what many are calling a diplomatic triumph amid ongoing Budget session discussions.

The atmosphere at the Parliament House meeting turned electric as NDA MPs erupted in applause and "Jai Modi" chants while felicitating the Prime Minister. Senior leaders including Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh joined in, crediting Modi's personal diplomacy—including a key call with US President Donald Trump—for the breakthrough. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju described it as a testament to India's strategic pacts with global powers like the EU, UAE, UK, and now the US, boosting the nation's economic stature.

Announced by Trump late last week, the pact reduces US reciprocal tariffs on most Indian exports from 25% to 18%, while eliminating an additional 25% penalty tied to India's Russian oil imports—dropping effective rates from peaks of 50%. In exchange, India commits to lowering non-tariff hurdles, boosting "Buy American" procurement beyond $500 billion in sectors like energy, tech, and agriculture, and diversifying away from Russian crude. Key exemptions for pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and critical minerals ensure strategic safeguards remain intact.

Textiles, apparel, organic chemicals, gems, jewelry, and furniture—hit hard by prior duties—stand to gain the most, representing billions in annual US shipments from MSME hubs in Tirupur and Surat. This deal complements the fresh India-EU FTA, potentially reviving $19 billion in affected exports and spurring jobs under "Make in India" in states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Economists project it could help push GDP growth toward 8% yearly.

While opposition parties raise concerns over protections for dairy and agriculture, the agreement signals deepening bilateral friendship under Trump 2.0. Modi tied it to Viksit Bharat by 2047, urging businesses to seize the opportunity. As Parliament debates Budget 2026, this pact could reshape global supply chains and export strategies.