• Source:JND

India and the United States have reached a consensus on a framework for the trade deal between the two countries. The framework talks about reducing reciprocal tariffs on Indian imports to the US to 18 per cent from 25 per cent.

The framework confirms Washington will consider further reduction in tariffs as the trade talks proceed. Meanwhile, New Delhi will remove or significantly reduce tariffs on American goods. However, the real win for India comes in the agriculture and dairy sectors, as there were apprehensions over opening the Indian market for American dairy and agri products, including vegetables, spices and grains.

The speculations started after US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, in the wake of the trade deal terms announcement on Monday, said that American farm products will get a boost in the Indian market as part of the trade deal.  

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that the crucial agri and dairy sector remains protected. Taking to X, he said, "Farmers Safe, Country Developed. In the India-US trade agreement, dairy, fruits, vegetables, spices, and other grains have been protected. This will safeguard the interests of domestic farmers, strengthen local agriculture through preferential access to such a large market, and mark another powerful step forward in the direction of a self-reliant India."

However, the agreement is limited to dried distillers’ grains (DDGs), etc., and the products of traditional Indian farmers and rearers remain protected in the trade deal between India and the US. Here's the list of what remains restricted in Indian markets under the trade deal.

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Protected grains

  • Finger millet (Ragi)
  • Wheat
  • Dried coconut (Copra) 
  • Barnyard millet (Syamak)
  • Kodo millet 
  • Pearl millet (Bajra)
  • Foxtail millet (Kangni)
  • Oats
  • Refined wheat flour (Maida)
  • Flour (wheat, rice, maize, pearl millet, etc.) 
  • Dehusked grains 
  • Sorghum (Jwaar)
  • Barley (Jau)
  • Rice 
  • Maize (corn) 
  • Amaranth

Dairy products to be out of Indian markets

  • Milk (liquid, powder, condensed, etc.)
  • Milk Cream
  • Yoghurt/Curd
  • Buttermilk
  • Butter 
  • Clarified butter (Ghee)
  • Cheese (mozzarella, blue-veined, grated, powdered, etc.)
  • Butter oil 
  • Cottage cheese (Paneer)
  • Whey products

No entry for American vegetables 

  • Potato
  • Peas
  • Beans
  • Mixed frozen vegetables
  • Cucumber
  • Mushroom
  • Mixed Canned vegetables

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American spices out of Indian markets 

  • Black pepper
  • Clove
  • Dried green chillies
  • Coriander
  • Asafoetida - Heeng
  • Ginger
  • Cumin seeds 
  • Carom seeds 
  • Fenugreek seeds 
  • Ringworm plant seeds 
  • Cassia (Indian cinnamon) 
  • Mustard seeds (yellow/brown) 
  • Black mustard seeds
  • Bran
  • Other powdered spices

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