BHOPAL: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday described the recently concluded India–United States trade agreement as “historic and unprecedented”, saying it would provide fresh momentum to the Indian economy while safeguarding the interests of farmers and domestic agriculture, according to a PIB handout.
Addressing a press conference at his residence in Bhopal, Chouhan said the agreement goes beyond a commercial arrangement and reflects India’s growing stature on the global stage.
“This deal sends a message to the world that India’s policy is one of commitment, not compromise. We take decisions in the national interest with full confidence,” he said, adding that India is pursuing a balanced and positive strategy in its international engagements.
The Minister said the agreement rests on the principles of diplomacy, development and dignity. He stated that national interests were prioritised during negotiations, while special attention was paid to protecting the dignity and security of farmers.
According to Chouhan, the deal will create new opportunities for Indian agricultural products in global markets and help raise farmers’ incomes, contributing to the goals of an Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
Highlighting key provisions, the Minister said several Indian agricultural products will now enter the US market with zero tariffs, while American farm products will not receive similar concessions in India.
He said tariffs of up to 50 per cent previously imposed by the US on many Indian farm goods have been reduced to zero. Products covered include spices, tea, coffee, coconut and coconut oil, betel nut, cashew, vegetable wax, avocado, banana, guava, mango, kiwi, papaya, pineapple, mushrooms and certain grains.
Chouhan noted that India’s agricultural exports reached USD 4.45 billion in 2024–25 and that spice exports alone recorded an 88 per cent increase. He said the agreement would further expand market access for Indian spices, which are already exported to nearly 200 destinations worldwide.
“At the same time, there has been no compromise on the security of the Indian market. If foreign products enter, they will have to pay tariffs. Our farmers are fully protected,” he said.
The Minister said all sensitive agricultural and dairy products have been excluded from the agreement to prevent any adverse impact on domestic producers.
He clarified that no tariff concessions have been granted on soybean, corn, rice, wheat, sugar, coarse grains, poultry, dairy products, several fruits, pulses, oilseeds, ethanol and tobacco.
He added that major grains, fruits and dairy products from the US would not be allowed entry into India. Items such as wheat, rice, corn, millet, potatoes, onions, peas, beans, pulses, frozen vegetables, oranges, grapes, lemons and strawberries will remain outside the import list.
Similarly, dairy products including liquid milk, milk powder, cream, yogurt, butter, ghee, paneer and cheese will not be imported from the US.
Chouhan also said India will not import several spices from the US, including black pepper, cloves, dry green chilies, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, ginger and turmeric, ensuring protection for domestic spice growers.
“The meaning is clear — our spices and our farmers are completely secure,” he said.
The Minister said the agreement will also open opportunities for farmers, women and youth through growth in allied sectors.
He stated that tariff reductions in sectors such as textiles would make Indian exports more competitive compared to other countries. This, he said, would benefit cotton-producing farmers directly. Additional opportunities are expected in gems and jewellery, auto components, engineering goods and MSMEs.
He added that self-help groups, especially women-led enterprises, would also benefit as their products gain wider international markets.
Chouhan said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has completed nine free trade agreements so far and signed FTAs with 27 countries, including the UAE, Oman, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, while talks with other nations are ongoing.
He said these agreements would benefit farmers, workers, exporters and manufacturers and support India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
“This trade deal will prove to be a milestone in strengthening the economy and building an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat,” the Minister said.
