White House Backtracks on Pulses in Revised India-US Trade Factsheet

The administration of US President Donald Trump has revised its official factsheet on the recently announced India–US trade deal within 24 hours of its release, removing references to tariff reductions on “certain pulses” and modifying language related to India’s proposed $500 billion purchase of American goods. The changes are being seen as significant, particularly given the political sensitivity of agricultural imports in India.

In the original version issued by the White House, India was described as eliminating or reducing tariffs on a range of US industrial and agricultural products, including dried distillers’ grains (DDGs), red sorghum, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, soybean oil, wine and spirits, and “certain pulses”. However, the updated document no longer mentions pulses. The revised text omits the category entirely while retaining references to other agricultural and industrial goods.

India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses such as lentils, chickpeas and dry beans. To safeguard domestic farmers, New Delhi has traditionally imposed substantial tariffs on imports in this segment. The removal of pulses from the factsheet suggests that India may have objected to the earlier characterisation, reflecting the sector’s economic and political importance. Agriculture accounts for nearly one-fifth of India’s GDP, with the sector estimated to be valued between $580 billion and $650 billion and projected to grow significantly over the next decade.

Also Read: Imported Almonds, Walnuts, Fruit And Soybean Oil May Cost Less As Tariffs Fall

The revised factsheet also alters language regarding India’s proposed purchases of American goods. The earlier version stated that India had “committed” to buying over $500 billion worth of US energy, information and communication technology, agricultural, coal and other products. The updated version replaces “committed” with “intends” and removes specific mention of agricultural goods, narrowing the scope of the stated purchase plan.

Additionally, the Trump administration has softened language concerning digital services taxes. While the initial document claimed India would remove its digital services tax, the revised version limits the reference to a commitment to negotiate bilateral digital trade rules addressing discriminatory or burdensome practices. The swift revisions underscore ongoing sensitivities in trade negotiations between the two countries, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and digital commerce.

Also Read: India to Buy $500 Billion US Goods Over Five Years in Landmark Trade Pact