The White House has quietly revised its official fact sheet on the India–US trade deal, removing references to “certain pulses” and softening key language related to India’s purchase of American products.
The changes bring the document more in line with the joint statement issued on February 7 and appear to temper earlier wording that had triggered political and farmer backlash in India.
In the original fact sheet, India was said to be reducing tariffs on “certain pulses” as part of broader trade facilitation measures. Pulses were listed alongside products such as sorghum, tree nuts, soybean oil, wine, and spirits. However, in the revised version, the mention of pulses has been removed entirely.
The inclusion of pulses had drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and farmer organisations, who argued that any tariff reduction on such commodities could hurt domestic producers. India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, and the issue is closely linked to farmer incomes and food security, making it politically sensitive.
‘Committed’ Replaced With ‘Intends’
Another significant change concerns India’s proposed purchase of US products valued at $500 billion. In the earlier version, the language suggested that India had “committed” to such purchases. The revised fact sheet now states that India “intends” to buy American products.
The shift from “committed” to “intends” indicates a softer and less binding formulation.
Additionally, the term “agricultural” has been removed from the list describing the categories of products under consideration, further diluting the specificity of the earlier language.
No Official Explanation
The White House has not issued any formal clarification regarding these revisions. The changes were made without a public announcement.
Observers suggest that the modifications may have followed concerns raised by India over the phrasing in the original fact sheet. The adjustments also signal that discussions around the interim trade arrangement are still ongoing and that the deal has not yet been finalised.
The evolving language underscores the sensitivity of agricultural trade in India–US negotiations and highlights the continuing back-and-forth as both sides work toward a mutually acceptable framework.