Zero-duty access for Indian farm products, farmers fully protected: Shivraj Singh Chouhan on India-US trade deal

Chouhan said the agreement was not merely commercial but also reflected India’s growing global stature.

• Indian farm products get zero-tariff access to US; no similar concessions for US goods
• Indian crops and dairy excluded from deal to protect farmers' interests
• Deal aims to double bilateral trade to $500B and boost exports by 2030.

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Several Indian agricultural products will get zero-tariff access to the US market under the India-US trade deal, while American farm products will not receive similar concessions in India, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan has stated.

The minister described the agreement as "historic and unprecedented", saying it was finalised with firm safeguards to protect Indian farmers while opening new export opportunities.

Chouhan said the agreement was not merely commercial but also reflected India’s growing global stature. "This deal will not only strengthen the Indian economy but also provide it with a fresh direction," he said, adding that it sent a strong message to the world about India’s policymaking approach.

The agriculture minister was addressing a press conference at his residence in Bhopal.

"This deal sends a message to the world that India’s policy is one of commitment, not compromise. We take decisions in the interest of the country with full confidence," further noted the Union Minister. He added that India believes in balanced and positive dialogue rather than bargaining, which is why it is emerging as a reliable global partner.

Calling the agreement an example of "diplomacy, development and dignity", the Union Minister said national interest had been placed at the forefront. "Diplomacy means nation first, development means Viksit Bharat, and dignity means the dignity of the farmer. I am proud that full attention has been paid to farmers’ dignity in this agreement," he remarked.

Further clarifying the issue of agricultural market access, Chouhan said several Indian agricultural products will now get zero-tariff access to the US market, while American farm products will not receive similar concessions in India. "India’s interests in agriculture and dairy are fully protected," he committed, noting that US tariffs of up to 50 percent on several Indian agricultural products have been slashed to zero.

These include spices, tea, coffee, coconut, cashew, betel nut, fruits such as mango, banana and pineapple, mushrooms, and certain grains. He said India’s agricultural exports reached USD 4.45 billion in 2024–25, with spice exports rising 88 per cent. "India already exports spices to nearly 200 destinations. This agreement will further accelerate exports and help increase farmers’ incomes," he stated.

The minister stressed that all sensitive agricultural items had been excluded from the deal.

He said no tariff concessions had been granted on major crops and products such as soybean, corn, rice, wheat, sugar, coarse grains, poultry, dairy, oilseeds, pulses, ethanol and tobacco. "Our main grains, fruits, major crops and dairy products are completely secure," said Chouhan.

He also clarified that a wide range of American agricultural and dairy products, including wheat, rice, corn, vegetables, fruits, milk, butter, ghee, paneer and cheese, would not be allowed entry into the Indian market. "The meaning is clear: our spices and our farmers are completely secure," Chouhan remarked.

The agriculture minister said the agreement would create new opportunities for farmers, women and youth, particularly through growth in textiles, gems and jewellery, auto components, engineering goods and MSMEs. "Textile exports will benefit cotton farmers, and self-help group sisters will gain global recognition for their work," he said.

Also, taking a swipe at the Opposition, the Agriculture Minister accused the Congress of spreading misinformation. “They are engaging in blind opposition. They have become a machine of lies. They are a market of rumours,” he said.

Concluding the briefing, Chouhan said India has completed nine free trade agreements under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and that such deals would help achieve the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. “These agreements are milestones in building an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat,” he said.

Earlier, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, on Saturday, hailed the framework of the India-US trade agreement, saying it would bring major benefits to farmers, MSMEs, artisans and exporters.

“Agricultural products from Indian farmers will be exported to the United States at zero duty. At the same time, no tariff concessions have been granted for agricultural products from US farmers entering the Indian market,” Goyal said.

The two countries have reached a framework for an interim trade agreement aimed at more than doubling bilateral trade from $191 billion to $500 billion by 2030.