In a major diplomatic and economic triumph, India has fortified its agriculture and dairy sectors in the newly inked trade deal with the United States. Addressing Parliament, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal revealed how New Delhi’s negotiators stood firm, averting risks to these vital industries.
The journey began post Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s February 2025 US trip, sparking a series of high-level talks aimed at a fair bilateral trade framework. For nearly a year, both sides navigated their red lines, with India prioritizing the protection of farmer livelihoods and dairy cooperatives.
Goyal praised the outcome: ‘We succeeded in defending our sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture and dairy, during intense bargaining.’ This resilience ensures that Indian markets won’t be overwhelmed by cheap imports, preserving jobs and rural economies.
The deal’s momentum peaked with a February 2, 2026, call between PM Modi and President Trump. The US responded by cutting tariffs on Indian exports to 18 percent, undercutting rates on rivals and supercharging India’s export edge.
Benefits extend far beyond tariffs. The pact unlocks opportunities for small businesses, innovators, and tech-savvy workers. Advanced technology inflows will fuel India’s manufacturing renaissance, embodying the mantra of creating, designing, and innovating on home soil.
Parliamentarians heard Goyal frame this as a game-changer for India-US relations. It’s a bold stride towards Viksit Bharat by 2047, blending economic pragmatism with strategic partnership in a multipolar world.