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Informist, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026

 

NEW DELHI - The government has ensured that the trade agreement with the US fully safeguards India’s agricultural interests, particularly those of the farm and dairy sectors, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said Thursday. "... the deal reflects a new benchmark of diplomacy, development and dignity," the minister said, adding that it was clear "from the outset that farmers' interests are non-negotiable."

 

India and the US concluded a trade deal on Monday after nearly a year of negotiations. Under the trade deal, the US will cut duty on Indian goods to 18% from the current 50%. Beyond the fact that both nations have concluded negotiations, there is no information on the deal's details. 

 

US President Donald Trump had claimed that India has committed to cutting tariff and non-tariff barriers on American goods to zero. Trump had also claimed that the deal would result in $500 billion of US exports, including agricultural products.

 

Questions have been raised regarding the contours of the deal, especially about the politically sensitive farm sector. The farm sector, notably, had been a bone of contention between the two countries. The US wanted to access Indian markets and India wanted to protect the sector, with over half of its population depending on it for livelihood. 

 

Addressing the media here, Chouhan said that India’s staple grains, fruits, major crops, millets and dairy products remain completely secure and face no threat whatsoever. "... interests of small and large farmers alike have been fully protected, and that the agreement will create fresh opportunities rather than risks for Indian agriculture," the agriculture ministry cited Chouhan as saying.

 

Chouhan said there would be no sudden or disruptive entry of foreign products in the Indian market, the ministry said in the release. 

 

India exported goods worth $86.51 billion to the US in 2024-25 (Apr-Mar), its largest export destination, while importing goods worth $45.69 billion from the US. 

 

Highlighting the export potential unlocked under the agreement, Chouhan said India already exports rice to many countries, including the US, and recently recorded exports worth around INR 630 billion. The reduced tariffs will directly benefit India’s rice, spices and textile exports. The growth in textile exports will help millions of cotton-growing farmers, he said. "The deal is unequivocally in the interest of Indian farmers and opens up new export avenues, despite the misinformation being spread by the Opposition," he said. 

 

"All details of the agreement would be shared in due course," he said. The core principle remains clear and unchanged, the interests of Indian farmers are fully protected, the minister said.  End

 

US$1 = INR 90.35

 

Reported by Priyasmita Dutta 

Edited by Saji George Titus

 

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