India has achieved a significant diplomatic victory as the US revised its factsheet on the India-US trade deal, removing sensitive references to pulses. This change protects Indian farmers and underscores New Delhi’s firm stance in negotiations.
Key Revisions Favoring India
The updated US factsheet eliminates any mention of tariff reductions on pulses, a critical agricultural sector where India is the world’s largest producer and consumer. It also drops broader references to agricultural goods and softens language on India’s $500 billion purchase pledge, changing “committed” to “intends” while excluding agriculture.
These adjustments followed opposition criticism in India, highlighting concerns over farmer interests and strategic autonomy. The revised terms now focus on tariff cuts for US industrial goods and select products like dried distillers’ grains, red sorghum, tree nuts, fruits, soybean oil, wine, and spirits.
Boost for Bilateral Ties
The deal advances balanced trade by opening India’s market to US industrial exports without compromising key domestic sectors. It also commits both nations to negotiate digital trade rules, removing discriminatory practices.
This revision signals stronger India-US economic partnership under President Trump’s administration, prioritizing mutual benefits. Indian negotiators effectively safeguarded agriculture, a sector vital to 20% of the country’s GDP.
