Still from a video posted by Rahul Gandhi visiting a garment factory in Haryana. Photo credit: X/@RahulGandhi
Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday (Jan 23, 2026) flagged what he called a “deepening crisis” in India’s textile sector due to high US tariffs and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene, saying the issue threatens jobs and small businesses.
Sharing a video on X of his recent visit to a garment factory in Haryana, Mr Gandhi said “50% US tariffs and uncertainty are hurting Indian textile exporters badly”. “Job losses, factory shutdowns and reduced orders are the reality of our ‘dead economy,'” he said.
Accusing the prime minister of inaction, Mr Gandhi said: “Mr Modi has not offered any relief or talked about tariffs even though more than 4.5 million jobs and thousands of businesses are at stake. Modi ji, you are responsible; please pay attention to this matter!”
The Congress leader stressed that India must urgently secure a trade deal with the US that prioritizes domestic interests. “It is imperative that India secures a trade deal with the US that puts Indian businesses and Indian workers first,” he said, adding that the prime minister “must not allow his own weakness to further affect our economy”.
The Congress leader said India’s textile industry, which he described as the “second largest employer in our economy”, was facing pressure on many fronts. “Our textiles are loved around the world and the craftsmanship of our tailors is truly unmatched. Yet today the industry faces deep uncertainty and fear due to US tariffs,” Gandhi said.
50% US tariffs and uncertainty are hurting Indian textile exporters badly. Job losses, factory shutdowns and reduced orders are the reality of our “dead economy”.
Mr. Modi has offered no relief or even talked about tariffs, even as more than 4.5 million jobs and millions of… pic.twitter.com/5BcG3AZibg
—Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 23, 2026
The opposition leader said exporters were struggling because of high tariffs in the US, falling prices in Europe and competition from countries such as Bangladesh and China.
Workers faced a direct impact, he said. “Units are closing, purchases are being reduced and there is widespread unrest across the sector,” he said.
Mr Gandhi said he had witnessed “first-hand the skill of our tailors and the resilience and ambition of our people. They just need a government to give them real support.”
Published – 23 Jan 2026 19:28 IST
