Amritsar, February 10 (K.L. Jeet Walia):Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar stated that the India–United States trade agreement has opened new doors of progress toward making India a developed nation while providing a strong protective shield to the country’s farmers. He described the agreement as a “runway” that will accelerate India’s journey toward economic advancement. He was addressing the media at a press conference held at the BJP District Office Shaheed Harbans Lal Khanna Memorial in Amritsar. Upon his arrival, District President Harvinder Singh Sandhu welcomed him with a bouquet and shawl. Several senior party leaders and office bearers were present on the occasion. Prior to the press conference, Jakhar also held a formal meeting with mandal presidents of Amritsar Urban, Amritsar Rural 1, and Amritsar Rural 2 to discuss upcoming party strategies.
Sunil Jakhar said that the BJP understands its responsibility toward the people, especially farmers, and is therefore informing them about the various aspects of the trade agreement. He advised opposition parties to refrain from spreading misinformation and congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for successfully finalizing the agreement in the national interest amid challenging global circumstances.
Jakhar noted that while the US President is working on the principle of “Make America Great Again,” Prime Minister Modi has moved forward with the vision of “Make India Great,” ensuring that India’s agricultural sector remains fully protected while enabling Indian industrial products to access the American market and allowing India to import advanced technologies as needed. He said that India will now face the lowest tariffs in the US compared to competing nations, enhancing the country’s competitiveness and boosting trade and industry.
He emphasized that while the agreement creates new growth opportunities for industry and commerce and generates employment, it also draws a secure “Lakshman Rekha” around farmers’ interests. Speaking as a farmer himself, Jakhar asserted that the agreement would not negatively impact Punjab’s farmers, as crops grown in the state have been kept outside the scope of the deal.
He further stated that the agreement will create employment opportunities for the next generation of farming families who are moving beyond agriculture. Under the deal, agricultural products worth 1 billion dollars from India will be exported to the US at zero percent tariff.
Highlighting the textile sector, Jakhar said that the US textile market is valued at 345 billion dollars, of which India’s share is currently only five percent, while China’s share ranges between 25 to 35 percent. With lower tariffs compared to China, Indian textile industries, including those in Punjab, stand to benefit significantly. Increased industrial activity will generate employment, boost revenue, and strengthen the state’s economy.
He concluded by stating that for India to secure its place in the emerging global economy, it must evolve into the factory of the world. Urging people to understand the reality, he remarked that opposition parties are aware of the benefits but continue to oppose the agreement merely for political reasons.
KL JIT WALIA
