A significant new dimension has emerged in the India–US bilateral trade agreement, with the White House indicating that India may reduce or eliminate import duties on a range of American agricultural products, including “certain pulses.” The reference appeared in a fact sheet issued by the White House on Monday, even though pulses were not mentioned in the joint statement released on February 6 following talks between.
According to the fact sheet dated February 9: India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all U.S. industrial goods and a wide range of U.S. food and agricultural products, including dried distillers’ grains (DDGs), red sorghum, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, certain pulses, soybean oil, wine and spirits, and additional products.
The inclusion of pulses is particularly striking. In the February 6 India–US joint statement, 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 procurement commitment. For the first time, American agricultural products have been explicitly included in this massive purchase target.
Another contentious element relates to energy trade with Russia. The White House document states that India committed to halting Russian oil imports, following which an additional 25 percent tariff was withdrawn. This wording directly links India’s oil sourcing decisions to the trade arrangement.
The revelations have sparked immediate concern regarding the protection of Indian farmers. Pulses are a staple of Indian food security and a primary source of income for millions of domestic growers. The apparent contradiction between the White House’s detailed list and statements from Indian ministries is likely to become a point of political contention.
While the specific terms and "fine print" regarding the volume and timing of pulse imports remain unclear, the agricultural sector is bracing for the impact of increased American competition. As the Indian government seeks to balance its strategic partnership with the U.S. against domestic agricultural interests, further clarification is expected from New Delhi in the coming days.