By protecting the agriculture and dairy sectors, India has ensured there will be no compromise on farmers' interests, explicitly excluding items such as dairy, rice, wheat, meat, poultry, cereals, and maize from the ambit of the trade concessions. (Image: AFP/File)
India
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News1803-02-2026, 22:03

India-US Trade Deal: Agriculture, Dairy Protected; Tariffs Slashed to 18%

  • India and the US have finalized a landmark trade agreement, reducing US reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%.
  • Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed strict protection for India's sensitive agriculture and dairy sectors, excluding items like dairy, rice, wheat, and poultry from trade concessions.
  • The tariff reduction is expected to significantly boost Indian exports and create jobs, especially in labor-intensive sectors like textiles, apparel, and gems and jewelry.
  • The deal aims to attract advanced technologies and investment in semiconductors, AI, and data centers, positioning India as a global supply chain hub.
  • India committed to purchasing $500 billion worth of American goods over five years, including energy, technology, and aircraft parts, shifting from Russian oil.

Why It Matters: India secured its farming sector while gaining massive tariff reductions and investment opportunities in a new US trade deal.

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