India-US Trade Deal: Farm & Dairy Interests Safeguarded Amid Tariff Cuts

• US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed ongoing agriculture talks, allowing India to protect sensitive farm sectors.
• India will reduce tariffs on American industrial goods to zero and eliminate duties on several consumer categories.
• US tariffs on most Indian goods will be cut to 18% from an earlier effective rate of 50%.
• Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensured full protection for India's agriculture and dairy sectors.
• The agreement aims to benefit MSMEs and boost exports in engineering goods, textiles, gems, jewelry, leather, and marine products.

Why It Matters: The India-US trade deal balances market access with domestic safeguards, protecting India's sensitive sectors.