New Delhi: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday informed the Lok Sabha that India’s concerns over sensitive agricultural and dairy issues have been fully addressed in the recently announced India–United States trade deal. He stressed that the government has safeguarded the interests of Indian farmers and protected key sectors such as agriculture and dairy under the agreement.
Speaking amid protests from Opposition MPs, Goyal presented the government’s position on the deal — which was finalised after months of negotiations and tariff tensions with the United States — and sought to reassure lawmakers about its implications for the domestic economy.
“I would like to reiterate to this august House that in the sector of fertiliser and agriculture, India’s sensitivieness has been take care of. This Agreement will provide new opportunities to small and medium businessmen, MSMEs, industrialists, skilled workers and industries. This will simplify the reach to advanced technologies and help in realising India’s ‘Make in India for the World’, ‘Design in India for the World’ and ‘Innovate in India for the World,” he said.
The minister highlighted that sensitive sectors, including agriculture and dairy, remain protected, countering concerns that opening markets to the US could harm farmers or undermine food security. He reiterated that the agreement has been structured to prioritize national interests while expanding trade relations.
The briefing in Parliament came at a time when reactions to the trade deal are mixed across political and social circles. While the government insists its terms shield Indian producers, Opposition parties have raised questions about tariff provisions and possible impacts on key sectors. Other stakeholders — including farmer groups — have demanded further clarity on the specific terms covering agriculture.
Goyal’s remarks follow a series of developments between India and the US, including tariff negotiations and commitments on broader trade and investment cooperation.
