"Historic trade deal with US, farmers safe": Piyush Goyal tells Lok Sabha amid opposition protests

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): India has succeeded in ensuring the protection of its sensitive sectors, especially agriculture and dairy, in the trade deal with the US, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal told Parliament.

“Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US in February 2025, India and the US have been holding regular discussions with the aim of concluding a balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement,” the Union Minister told Parliament.

During this period, both sides have their own sensitive points. He further said, “During the negotiations, the Indian side has been successful in ensuring the protection of the interests of its sensitive sectors, especially the agriculture and dairy sectors.” The Union Minister informed that India and the US have been successful in finalizing the bilateral trade agreement after nearly a year of negotiations. On February 2, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed bilateral and several international issues over the phone. After this, President Trump reduced the tariff rate on Indian exports to the US to 18 percent.

He further stated that this is lower than the tariffs imposed by the US on many competing countries, which will significantly enhance the competitiveness of Indian exports in the US market. Goyal told Parliament that this agreement will open up new opportunities for MSMEs, entrepreneurs, skilled workers, and industries, and will also ensure access to advanced technology. This agreement will realize the vision of Make in India for the World, Design in India for the World, and Innovate in India for the World.

He further said that this historic agreement is a landmark step towards strengthening India-US relations and furthering our journey towards a developed India 2047.