AICC Draft Resolution Cites Tariffs, Criticises Foreign Policy, Party Prepares To Win In Gujarat

A draft resolution set to be adopted at the Congress party's central decision-making body meeting in Ahmedabad on Wednesday addresses Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in February. The resolution claims that India was "publicly insulted" during the visit when U.S. President Donald Trump labeled India a “tariff abuser.” It further accuses the government of compromising the nation’s foreign policy in favor of “individual branding” and “vested interests.”

The draft All India Congress Committee (AICC) resolution, which HT has reviewed, reaffirms the Opposition party's commitment to maintaining strong ties with the U.S., but stresses that these ties should not come at the expense of India's national interests.

The resolution also highlights the trade discussions between India and the U.S. following the meeting between Trump and Modi, in which they agreed to begin talks on an early trade deal. This came just hours after Trump criticized the business climate for U.S. companies in India and outlined a plan for reciprocal tariffs.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reiterated on Tuesday that India would prioritize its national interests while negotiating trade deals with the U.S. and other countries. His comments came amidst ongoing talks following the imposition of additional 26% tariffs on Indian exports by the U.S., while a senior U.S. trade official ruled out any near-term exemptions from President Trump’s global tariffs.

The draft resolution also raises concerns about the potential impact of further reductions in import duties, warning that such measures would harm farmers as well as the country's thriving domestic automobile and pharmaceutical industries. It also condemns the mistreatment of Indian migrants, describing them as being treated “like animals” and deported from the U.S. in chains and handcuffs. The resolution criticizes External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for reportedly justifying this inhumane treatment in Parliament.

Targeting Gujarat

On the last day of two-day All India Congress Committee (AICC) session held on Sabarmati Riverfront, the party released the resolution mentioning how "Amul was a result of "vision" of Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr V Kurien, Gujarat Congress established a a strong foundation of agricultural development by providing drinking and irrigation and implemented Narmada Scheme."

Addressing a press conference, Congress general secretary incharge of communication Jairam Ramesh said that for the first time, the party has brought a state-specific resolution during an AICC convention, which in the past had never happened.