Imran Masood Takes Aim at US‑India Trade Pact Amid Inflation Fears

When the news broke that Washington and New Delhi had sealed a fresh trade deal, many expected fanfare. Instead, a familiar voice from the opposition floor rose with a protest that sounded more like a neighborhood chat than a parliamentary speech.

Imran Masood, the Congress MP from the north‑eastern belt of the country, took the microphone and, without beating around the bush, declared the pact “a risky gamble at a time when our people are already feeling the pinch of rising prices.” He wasn’t just reciting talking‑points; he slipped in a personal anecdote about his own family’s grocery bill climbing week after week, a detail that made his criticism feel oddly relatable.

Masood’s main gripe? The agreement, he argues, opens the floodgates for cheap imports that could undercut domestic producers, driving them out of business and ultimately feeding the inflation beast. “If we let foreign goods pour in unchecked, the market will adjust… and the adjustment will be on the consumer’s shoulders,” he warned, pausing for a beat that seemed to invite the audience to think.

He also pointed out that while the deal promises “greater market access” for Indian exporters, the benefits are likely to be lopsided. “Our textile and agricultural sectors are already wrestling with high input costs,” Masood added, gesturing towards a chart showing a steady climb in food price indices over the past twelve months. “A sudden influx of cheap alternatives could push those numbers even higher.”

Critics of Masood’s stance say the trade agreement could actually help tame inflation by boosting export revenues and creating jobs. Yet the MP remains unconvinced, insisting that any short‑term gain is dwarfed by the long‑term risk of price volatility. He concluded his remarks with a call for a “comprehensive impact study” before the deal is fully rolled out, echoing a sentiment that many small‑business owners share.

In the corridors of Parliament, the debate continues. Some colleagues suggest tweaking tariff structures, while others urge patience, arguing that global trade dynamics are inevitable. Meanwhile, on the streets, shoppers keep watching their receipts, perhaps the most honest gauge of whether Masood’s warnings will materialise.