The Prime Minister was making a statement in response to the demand of opposition members, who quoting press reports, alleged that the Government had entered into a "clandestine" understanding with the US before the negotiations on electronic commerce and information technology, which would harm the nation's interests. Agitated members said they would not allow the house to function until the Prime Minister clarified the position.

Shouting anti-Government slogans, Samajwadi Party members entered into the well of the house along with some Left members, forcing Deputy Speaker PM Sayeed to adjourn the house 20 minutes before lunch. The Left, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Samajwadi members staged a walk-out when the house reassembled after lunch demanding that Prime Minister clarify the position immediately.

The PM's statement remained silent on the allegation of "clandestine" agreement but stressed that India was opposed to linking trade with issues like core labour standards, environment and coherent global architecture.