Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan on February 8, 2026, described the recently concluded India–United States trade deal as “historic and unprecedented,” saying it will give new momentum and new heights to the Indian economy. Addressing a press conference at his residence in Bhopal, the Minister said the agreement is not merely a commercial arrangement, but also a symbol of India’s rising global stature, strengthening the economy while giving it a fresh strategic direction.
‘Commitment, Not Compromise’: India’s Trade Philosophy
Shri Chouhan said the deal sends a clear message to the world that India’s policy is based on commitment, not compromise. He stressed that India takes decisions with confidence and in the national interest, guided by a balanced and positive approach rather than transactional bargaining.
According to the Minister, this approach is why India is increasingly being seen as a reliable and strong global partner, capable of advancing its interests while building constructive international partnerships.
Diplomacy, Development and Dignity
Describing the agreement as a blend of diplomacy, development and dignity, Shri Chouhan said:
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Diplomacy means nation first—and India’s interests have been placed at the forefront of the deal.
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Development aligns with the journey towards Viksit Bharat, for which the agreement provides a strong economic foundation.
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Dignity reflects the respect and security ensured for India’s farmers, whose interests, he said, have been fully protected.
He added that the deal not only secures farmers but also opens new opportunities for Indian agricultural products in global markets, helping boost incomes and strengthen the foundation of an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat.
Zero Tariffs on Indian Agricultural Products in the US
The Union Minister announced that many Indian agricultural products will now enter the US market at zero tariffs, while American agricultural products will not receive similar concessions in India. He said India’s agriculture and dairy interests are fully protected.
He noted that the US has reduced tariffs—earlier as high as 50%—to zero on several Indian products, including:
Spices, tea, coffee, coconut and coconut oil, betel nut, cashew, vegetable wax, avocado, banana, guava, mango, kiwi, papaya, pineapple, mushrooms and some grains.
Shri Chouhan said that in 2024–25, India’s agricultural exports reached USD 4.45 billion, with spice exports rising by 88%. With this deal, India’s spices and other agri-products will gain a much larger foothold in the US market.
He also underlined that India already exports spices to nearly 200 destinations worldwide, and this agreement will further accelerate exports—without compromising the security of the Indian market.
Sensitive Items Kept Out, Farmers Fully Protected
The Union Agriculture Minister made it clear that no product harmful to Indian farmers has been included in the agreement and all sensitive items have been kept outside the deal.
He said no tariff concessions have been given on key products such as:
Soybean, corn, rice, wheat, sugar, coarse grains, poultry, dairy, banana, strawberry, cherry, citrus fruits, green peas, chickpeas, mung beans, oilseeds, ethanol and tobacco.
He added that a wide range of US agricultural and dairy products will not be allowed into India, including:
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Hulled grains, flour, wheat, corn, rice, millet
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Vegetables such as potato, onion, peas, beans, cucumber, mushrooms, pulses and frozen vegetables
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Fruits like oranges, grapes, lemons and strawberries
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Mixed canned vegetables
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Dairy products including milk, milk powder, cream, yogurt, buttermilk, butter, ghee, paneer and cheese
He also stated that India will not import several spices from the US, including black pepper, cloves, green chillies, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, asafoetida, ginger, turmeric, ajwain, fenugreek, cassia, mustard and mustard seeds, reinforcing that India’s spices and farmers are fully secure.
New Opportunities for Farmers, Women and Youth
Shri Chouhan said the agreement will give new wings to the dreams of farmers, women and youth. He noted that in sectors like textiles, tariffs have been reduced to around 18% compared to competing countries, which will boost exports and directly benefit cotton farmers.
He added that new business opportunities will also emerge for gems and jewellery, auto components, engineering goods and MSMEs. The Minister highlighted that Self-Help Group women will gain from increased production and global market access, bringing recognition to their skills and hard work.
Trade Agreements as Milestones for Viksit Bharat
Shri Chouhan said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has completed nine FTAs so far, including agreements with the UAE, Oman, New Zealand, the UK, and the US, besides arrangements involving 27 European countries, with talks ongoing with other partners.
He said the benefits of these agreements will reach farmers, workers, exporters, manufacturers, MSMEs and the poor, strengthening the Indian economy and accelerating the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
Conclusion
Calling the India–US trade deal a milestone, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said such agreements are crucial in building an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat. He expressed confidence that the deal will strengthen India’s global standing, expand export opportunities, protect farmers’ interests, and create new avenues for growth for farmers, women and youth—while keeping India’s core agricultural and dairy sectors fully secure.
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Source: PIB
