LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5548
ANSWERED ON- 27/03/2026
INDIA-US TRADE DEAL
5548. MS SAYANI GHOSH
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) the list of agricultural commodities and food products that India has agreed or proposed to import from the United States under the India–United States trade deal, including quantities, tariff concessions, tariff-rate quotas or other preferential terms, product-wise;
(b) whether pulses were initially included and subsequently excluded from the proposed import commitments under the India–US trade negotiations, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any commitments have been made with respect to imports of oilseeds, edible oils, dairy products, maize, soybean, animal feed, genetically modified crops or processed agricultural products, if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Government has assessed the likely impact of such agricultural imports on domestic farmers’ incomes, Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations and price stability of sensitive crops, if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a to d) India and the United States announced a trade deal on 2nd February 2026. The Joint Statement of 7 February 2026 noted that both sides have agreed on a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement, reaffirming their commitment to ongoing negotiations towards a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The framework aims to promote reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade, enhance market access, and strengthen supply chain resilience.
Under the framework, both sides have agreed to expand preferential market access, establish rules of origin, and address non-tariff barriers, including in areas such as medical devices, ICT goods and agricultural products. It also includes cooperation on standards, digital trade, economic security, and technology, alongside efforts to enhance supply chain resilience, and reflects a shared commitment to deepen trade in advanced technologies.
The agreed framework safeguards India’s core sensitivities, particularly in agriculture and dairy, while enhancing export competitiveness, especially in labour-intensive sectors, creating opportunities for MSMEs and industry, and expanding cooperation in areas such as technology, energy and manufacturing.
Limited and calibrated tariff concessions have been offered on select agricultural products through quota-based mechanisms, phased concessions and partial duty reductions, keeping in view domestic demand-supply gaps. The quotas are within existing import levels so as to avoid adverse impact on domestic farmers.
The Agreement has been designed to protect domestic sensitivities while creating new export opportunities. The Government of India has taken into account the interests of farmers while formulating its approach.
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