The White House has for the first time explicitly mentioned “certain pulses” in US agricultural products that may face tariff cuts under the proposed India-US interim trade agreement.
In an important new dimension to the India-US bilateral trade agreement, the White House has indicated that India may reduce or eliminate import duties on several US agricultural products, including “certain pulses”. This reference appeared in a fact sheet released by white House Even though pulses were not mentioned in it on Monday joint statement Released on 6 February after talks between.
According to the February 9 fact sheet: India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of US food and agricultural products, including dried distillers grains (DDG), red sorghum, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruits. some pulsesSoybean oil, wine and spirits, and additional products.
inclusion of pulses is particularly impressive. The India-US joint statement of February 6, which outlined the “key terms” of the interim agreement, made no reference to pulses.
The White House document also clarifies the nature of India’s $500 billion purchase commitment. first time, american agricultural products This is clearly included in the huge buying target.
Another controversial element concerns energy trade with Russia. The additional 25 percent tariff was withdrawn after the White House document said India was committed to curbing Russian oil imports. This word links directly India’s oil sourcing Decision on business arrangement.
This revelation has raised immediate concerns about the safety of Indian farmers. Pulses form a major part of Indian food security and are the primary source of income for millions of domestic producers. The apparent contradiction between the White House’s detailed list and statements from Indian ministries is likely to become a point of political controversy.
While specific conditions and “fine print” While ambiguity remains regarding the volume and timing of pulse imports, the agriculture sector is bracing for the impact of increasing US competition. As the Indian government seeks to balance its strategic partnership with the US against domestic agricultural interests, further clarification is expected from New Delhi in the coming days.
