Athawale slams Congress over US deal criticism, says India wants early end to West Asia war

JAMMU: (Mar 15) Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Sunday slammed the Congress for criticising the India-US trade agreement, saying the deal will boost employment, strengthen MSMEs and help the country's economy grow.

He also asserted that there is no immediate shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG despite the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The minister said that while it is difficult to predict when the war will end, India wants an early end to the hostilities and emphasised that the fighting should remain confined to armed forces and not target innocent civilians, schools or public places.