India-US Trade Deal: Agri, Dairy Protection Boosts Self-Reliant India

• India and the US finalized an interim trade agreement, notably protecting India’s agriculture and dairy sectors.
• Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the protection of dairy, fruits, vegetables, spices, and grains, safeguarding domestic farmers.
• These sectors are crucial for rural livelihoods, supporting millions of small and marginal farmers.
• India ring-fenced these sectors from broad tariff concessions, preventing price shocks and unfair competition from subsidized US agri-businesses.
• The framework focuses on preferential access for Indian produce to the US market, aligning with export-led growth and Atmanirbhar Bharat.