Trade deal with U.S. ‘best possible’ amid shifting global order, Foreign Secretary tells House panel

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs held a three-and-a-half-hour meeting to examine India's recent trade agreements with the United States and the European Union. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed members, emphasizing that the US deal was the best outcome for India given the "shifted global paradigm." He assured lawmakers that farmers' interests would be protected but faced questions about continued Russian oil imports. Misri did not offer a definitive response on ending Russian oil purchases and reiterated that decisions would be guided by national interest. The committee also discussed concerns regarding U.S. trade concessions to Bangladesh and the potential impact on Indian cotton farmers.