New Delhi: The United States administration has amended its official factsheet on the proposed India–US trade agreement, removing key references related to tariff reductions on pulses and changes in agricultural commitments. The revisions indicate a shift in language after India expressed reservations over provisions that could affect its farming community.
The earlier version of the document had stated that India would lower or eliminate duties on a range of American farm products, specifically mentioning pulses such as lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans. The updated text no longer includes pulses in the list of goods eligible for tariff concessions. India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses, and the government maintains high import duties to safeguard the livelihood of domestic cultivators. The deletion is being viewed as a response to India’s insistence that sensitive farm items remain protected.
Another notable change relates to the projected purchase of American goods worth more than 500 billion dollars. The original factsheet described this as a firm commitment and included agricultural products among the proposed acquisitions. The revised document replaces the word commitment with intends and removes any mention of farm goods from the purchase plan. The updated language now refers only to energy, information technology, coal, and other sectors.
The digital services tax issue has also been softened. The earlier text suggested that India would abolish the levy, but the new version merely states that both sides will negotiate digital trade rules without specifying tax removal.
Agriculture remains a politically sensitive area in India, contributing about one fifth of the national economy. Policymakers have repeatedly resisted opening the sector to large scale foreign competition, fearing pressure on small farmers. Officials in New Delhi have reiterated that no decision will be taken that harms self sufficient segments such as pulses, handloom, and rural industries.
The modifications followed domestic criticism over the trade framework, with opposition voices questioning whether Indian interests were adequately protected. The government has maintained that the agreement is balanced and that all vulnerable sectors remain outside its scope. According to the commerce ministry, the deal aims to expand bilateral trade while ensuring full security for Indian farmers and traditional industries.
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