New Delhi, February 7: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated on Saturday that India has not compromised farmers’ interests in its trade deal with the United States. He emphasized that no concessions were made in sensitive sectors such as dairy, meat, poultry, soybean, corn, rice, wheat, grains, sugar, millet, bananas, strawberries, cherries, citrus fruits, green peas, mung beans, and oilseeds.
During a press conference, Goyal responded to questions by asserting that India has secured preferential access for Indian goods through the framework of an interim agreement with the U.S.
Goyal remarked, “India has fully protected its dairy sector and has not granted any concessions under any circumstances.”
He highlighted that several Indian products, including tea, spices, coconut oil, vegetable wax, betel nut, Brazil nuts, chestnuts, and various fruits and vegetables, will now be exported to the U.S. without any tariffs.
According to Goyal, root vegetables, grains, barley, bakery products, cocoa products, sesame, poppy seeds, and citrus fruit juices will also enter the U.S. market tariff-free.
He further stressed that this trade agreement does not harm farmers’ interests and aims to protect their livelihoods while enhancing export opportunities.
Minister Piyush Goyal reiterated that the government is consistently prioritizing farmers’ interests. This trade agreement will allow zero-duty exports of several agricultural products, including spices, tea, coffee and related products, coconut and coconut oil, cashews, and others.
Additionally, the agreement will facilitate duty-free exports of gems and jewelry, pharmaceutical products, and smartphones.
He stated that this deal is fair and balanced, protecting farmers, supporting exporters, and strengthening bilateral economic relations.
Goyal added that the India-U.S. partnership will bolster trade relations, promote exports, and create new opportunities for businesses on both sides.
He confidently asserted, “I can say with full assurance that this India-U.S. agreement does not harm the interests of Indian farmers, small and medium enterprises, or the handloom and handicraft sectors.”
