The India-US interim trade deal has emerged as a shield for Indian agriculture and dairy, slamming doors on US products amid opposition uproar from Congress alleging farmer betrayal. Official disclosures reveal a meticulously curated protected list, preserving market sanctity for domestic producers.
Indian industries in textiles, leather, footwear, artisanal goods, plastics, rubber, and home furnishings reap windfalls as US tariffs drop from 50% (25% base + 25% extra) to 18%. This catalyzes export booms, forecasted to generate lakhs of employment slots, empowering women and youth in labor-intensive sectors.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s firm rebuttal dismantles Congress’s fear-mongering. Safeguarded items include rice, wheat, corn, soy, milk products, paneer, chicken, and ethanol. Dairy remains impregnable—no liberalization—securing crores of smallholders and cooperatives. Full lists from BJP affirm comprehensive safeguards across farming and fishing.
US exports barred: grains like wheat, ragi, bajra, jowar, oats, barley; flours and dehusked grains; veggies such as potatoes, onions, peas, beans, khichdi, mushrooms, legumes, frozen, canned mixes; fruits including oranges, grapes, lemons, strawberries. Dairy prohibitions cover milk (liquid/powder/condensed), cream, yogurt, buttermilk, butter, ghee, paneer, cheese, whey.
Spice fortress intact against black pepper, cloves, chilies, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, hing, ginger, turmeric, ajwain, methi, mustard powders. Aircraft parts gain Section 232 relief, with US pledging tariff cuts on generic drugs, diamonds, gems, and spares ahead.
Unlocking $300 billion in US opportunities for Indian exporters, MSMEs, and agrarians, the deal champions Atmanirbhar Bharat. It strikes a harmonious chord between fortifying home fronts and venturing boldly into American markets.