Delhi: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has firmly rejected claims that India diluted its agricultural interests in the interim trade arrangement with the United States, asserting that the agreement maintains absolute zero concessions on sensitive farm and food sectors.
Addressing concerns raised by opposition groups and farmer unions, Goyal said misleading narratives were being circulated to provoke unrest among farmers. He underlined that India did not bend on any core agricultural items and protected every critical category linked to farmers’ livelihoods.
“The interests of our farmers and producers are fully protected. There is no compromise, no dilution, and no backdoor entry for sensitive agricultural products,” the minister stated, stressing that India’s red lines remained untouched throughout negotiations.
According to Goyal, the interim deal does not allow any concessions on genetically modified food items, key cereals, pulses, fruits, oilseeds, meat products, sugar, honey, dairy-linked items, or animal feed. He reiterated that India has not opened its market to GM crops such as soybean, corn, or maize, nor to staple foods like rice, wheat, millets, or pulses that directly impact food security.
The minister clarified that negotiations focused on a balanced framework across non-agricultural goods and services, where both India and the US protected their strategic interests. He said agriculture was kept completely insulated, while export-oriented sectors benefitted from tariff rationalisation.
Highlighting opportunities for Indian farmers, Goyal noted that agri and fisheries exports are already valued at nearly ₹5 lakh crore annually and could see significant growth due to improved market access and competitive tariff positioning. Products such as tea, coffee extracts, spices, coconut-based goods, and vegetable waxes now enjoy zero-duty access in key markets, he added.
Responding to concerns from exporters over higher US duties on metals, Goyal explained that these tariffs are part of global national security measures and are not aimed specifically at India. He said India continues to compete on equal footing with other exporting nations and has secured exemptions for several high-value finished goods, including aircraft and auto components.
Goyal dismissed claims that the deal undermines national interest, calling it a roadmap that boosts exports while safeguarding strategic and agricultural sectors. He said full details of the interim agreement will be placed in the public domain soon, with final negotiations expected to conclude within weeks.
