Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday expressed concerns that the India–US trade deal could adversely affect Indian farmers and the agricultural sector in the near future, news agency IANS reported.
Baramati, Maharashtra: NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar says, “It is sad, and politics should not be made out of it. Whenever an accident has happened in Baramati, I have personally gone to assess the situation. I am well aware of the place. This was just an accident.” pic.twitter.com/YQgdOgYb8o
— IANS (@ians_india) February 4, 2026
While the detailed draft of the agreement is yet to be fully disclosed, the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief, during a press conference in Maharashtra, stated that the information currently available is a cause for concern for Indian farmers.
Addressing the media, Pawar highlighted specific “worries” regarding the bilateral trade deal, IANS reported.
While the United States (US) has decided to reduce tariffs on goods exported from India, Pawar said he was unsure about the reciprocal arrangements.
The former Union Minister further stated that current reports suggest the India-US trade deal will allow the US to export its agricultural products to India.
“If they begin large-scale exports of specific agricultural commodities to India, it could destabilise the domestic market and hurt local farmers. The US is a powerful nation; if they start exporting to our markets, it will inevitably impact our agriculture,” he added.
While expressing concerns over the India-US trade deal, Pawar said that he would comment further once the full picture becomes clear in a few days.
The veteran politician said that in his 58-year-long career—spanning the Maharashtra Assembly, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha—he has never missed the presentation of the Union Budget. However, due to nephew and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s death, he was unable to travel to Delhi and missed hearing the Budget in person.
Pawar expressed relief that no new taxes were imposed that would distress the common man. However, he noted that more concrete steps were expected to accelerate developmental growth, IANS reported.
`Do not wish to say anything regarding Sunetra Pawar`s swearing-in`
Speaking about Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra being sworn in as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister following her husband’s untimely demise, Sharad Pawar said, “I do not wish to say anything regarding Sunetra Pawar’s swearing-in.”
He added that he preferred to focus on national security issues and the situation along the India–China border.
Speaking on the possible merger of the two NCP factions, Pawar—who said Ajit Pawar was expected to announce it on February 12—criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his remarks on the issue.
(With IANS inputs)
