Chaos at AI Summit: Indian Youth Congress leaders strip in protest over India-US trade framework

A group of men allegedly entered the venue, removed their shirts and T-shirts, and began shouting slogans opposing the agreement.

The incident triggered sharp political reactions, with reports claiming that at least 10 protesters were detained.

Slamming the protest, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav accused the Congress of attempting to sabotage India’s global image.

In a post on X, Yadav wrote: “Absolute shamelessness from Congress! At a time Bharat is taking strides positioning itself as a global technology powerhouse, Congress is going all out to embarrass the country. This is not political opposition, this is an attempt at sabotaging India's global image. Despicable.”

Farmer organisations have raised concerns that the entry of cheaper American products into the Indian market could adversely affect domestic farmers.

Last week, India and the United States finalised a framework for an interim trade deal, days after US President Donald Trump announced the long-pending agreement, injecting fresh momentum into bilateral ties.

The framework was finalised after nearly a year of negotiations. Since taking office, Trump had adopted a tough stance on India over alleged unfair trade practices and its purchase of Russian oil.

As previously announced by Trump, the US has reduced the overall tariff on Indian goods from 50 per cent — comprising counter-tariffs and levies linked to Russian oil purchases — to 18 per cent, offering significant relief to Indian exporters.