Amid growing US pressure to open its agricultural sector to greater American imports, India has categorically denied making any commitment to lowering tariffs, asserting that discussions are still ongoing. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal dismissed US President Donald Trump’s claim that India had agreed to reduce tariffs “way down” on American goods, clarifying that India has sought time until September 2025 to address Washington’s concerns.
Speaking before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, Barthwal assured lawmakers that India will safeguard its domestic industries and strategic sectors, particularly its millions of farmers engaged in sustenance farming. Sources privy to the meeting confirmed that India has not been formally targeted by any new US tariff impositions, unlike Mexico, Canada, and China, which have faced significant economic measures from Washington.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has been pushing for greater American access to India’s agriculture sector, a move that New Delhi has historically resisted in free trade agreements. Indian policymakers are advocating for a long-term, mutually beneficial trade framework rather than immediate concessions that could disrupt domestic markets.
The parliamentary review follows Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to the US, where he engaged in trade discussions with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. India’s primary focus is securing trade concessions that could cushion the impact of any potential tariff hikes by the US.
Goyal is scheduled to meet export promotion councils on Thursday to discuss trade concerns, particularly the looming threat of reciprocal US tariffs. Exporters are expected to highlight challenges related to the proposed bilateral trade agreement and its implications for key Indian industries.