New Delhi, February 4, 2026: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday informed Parliament that the government has successfully protected India’s agricultural and dairy sectors in the India–U.S. trade agreement, while securing significant tariff reductions to boost exports.
Making a statement in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Mr. Goyal said tariffs on Indian goods have been reduced to 18% from 50%, which would provide a major boost to labour-intensive sectors and strengthen India’s export competitiveness.
“The tariffs on India are among the lowest compared to our competitor nations. India has been successful in protecting the agricultural and dairy sectors,” Mr. Goyal said in the Lok Sabha.
Boost to ‘Make in India’ and MSMEs
The Minister stated that the agreement would promote initiatives such as Make in India and Design in India, helping the country move towards greater self-reliance. He added that the deal would open up significant opportunities for skilled professionals and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Mr. Goyal also noted that both sides are working to complete technical formalities and that the final announcement would be made soon. He stressed that ensuring India’s energy security remains a top government priority.
Read More: 100 kg of Fake Paneer and Adulterated Dairy Products Seized
Highlighting strategic sectors, the Minister said India requires imports in areas such as aviation and nuclear technology, where the United States is a major global player. The agreement, he said, is in India’s national interest.
Opposition Protests in Parliament
During Mr. Goyal’s statement in the Lok Sabha, Opposition members protested over unrelated issues, including the 2020 stand-off with China and the unpublished memoir of former Army Chief M.M. Naravane.
Later, Mr. Goyal posted on social media platform X that although the government was prepared to provide factual clarification on the trade deal, disruptions prevented him from completing his statement in the House. He said he was releasing his full statement publicly for transparency.
In the Rajya Sabha, Opposition members sought clarifications following his statement. Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan, citing procedural rules and the sensitivity of the matter, disallowed questions amid disruptions. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh was called but could not speak due to continued protests. DMK leader Tiruchi Siva and CPI(M) member John Brittas questioned the decision to disallow clarifications.
Key Takeaway
The government has reiterated that sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy remain protected under the India–U.S. trade agreement, even as tariff reductions are expected to enhance export opportunities for labour-intensive industries.
With tariffs reduced to 18% and key domestic sectors shielded, the government has positioned the deal as both protective and growth-oriented, aimed at balancing domestic priorities with global trade expansion.
Join Our “Dairy & Food Jobs Updates” WhatsApp group
Follow the Agri Jobs Updates channel on WhatsApp:
Disclaimer
I do my best to share reliable and well-researched insights but occasional errors or omissions may slip through. Please view all content as informational.
Stay informed on all the latest news updates
All Agriculture Books Free Download
All Dairy Technology Books Free Download
All Agricultural Engineering Books Free download
All Horticulture Books Free Download
All Fisheries Science Books Free Download
For Daily Update follow us at:
Facebook Telegram Whatsapp Instagram YouTube
The contents are provided free for noncommercial purpose such as teaching, training, research, extension and self learning.
If you are facing any Problem than fill form Contact Us
If you want share any article related Agriculture with us than send at info@agrimoon.com with your contact detail.
