Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], February 8 (ANI): Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday said that the framework of the India–US trade agreement fully safeguards the interests of Indian farmers, while the United States has reduced tariffs to zero on several Indian agricultural exports.
Chouhan asserted that no key crops, fruits, dairy products, or spices have been opened to American imports under the deal. He added that Indian farmers stand to benefit significantly, as the US has cut tariffs on multiple Indian farm products from as high as 50 per cent to zero.
Addressing a press conference in Bhopal, the Agriculture Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made it clear that India would not bow to pressure or compromise farmers’ interests while negotiating the agreement.
“If we look at agriculture and agricultural products, no product has been included that could harm Indian farmers. All such products have been excluded from the trade deal,” Chouhan said.
He clarified that there are no tariff concessions on sensitive agricultural items such as soybeans, corn, rice, wheat, sugar, grains, poultry, dairy, bananas, strawberries, cherries, sour fruits, green peas, Kabuli chana, moong, oilseeds, ethanol, and tobacco.
“No door has been opened for the US in our main crops, fruits, or dairy production. No liquid, powder, cream, yoghurt, buttermilk, butter, ghee, butter oil, paneer, or cheese will be imported into India. Our spices are completely safe,” he added.
Chouhan highlighted that while many Indian agricultural products will now be exported to the US at zero duty, American agricultural products have not been given similar access to the Indian market.
“The US has reduced tariffs on several agricultural products from 50 per cent to zero. Our spice exports have increased by 88 per cent. India exports spices and spice products to nearly 200 countries worldwide, and our farmers will receive complete tariff exemption,” he said.
He also noted that in textiles, India’s tariff rate under the deal stands at 18 per cent, which is significantly lower than that of competing countries, adding that the agreement will benefit women associated with self-help groups as well.
The minister further stated that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has signed nine Free Trade Agreements so far, in addition to the trade framework with the United States, and discussions are ongoing with several other countries.
“These agreements will act as milestones in achieving a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 and building a self-reliant India,” Chouhan said.
Subject to the successful conclusion of the Interim Agreement, the United States will also remove reciprocal tariffs on a wide range of Indian goods identified under the Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners Annex to Executive Order 14346 dated September 5, 2025. These include generic pharmaceuticals, gems and diamonds, and aircraft parts. (ANI)
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