Piyush Goyal on Saturday defended the India–US interim trade framework, rejecting opposition claims that it harms farmers and saying the agreement includes strong safeguards for the agricultural sector while boosting exports.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday hit back at opposition criticism of the India–US interim trade framework, accusing them of misleading farmers despite safeguards built into the agreement.
Goyal said certain groups were deliberately spreading misinformation by portraying the deal as “anti-farmer”.
“There are some people in this country who try to mislead farmers. They are surprised that no concessions have been given on agricultural products under the India–US agreement,” he said, stressing that the government had taken no step that would harm farmers’ interests.
Balancing exports and farm protection
The minister said the framework strikes a balance by expanding export opportunities for Indian industries and MSMEs, while fully protecting the agricultural sector from import pressures.
“This agreement provides export benefits to multiple sectors and, at the same time, safeguards and protects our farming sector. These twin objectives have been achieved,” Goyal said, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership.
On demand for parliamentary debate
Responding to the opposition’s demand for a debate in Parliament, Goyal said decisions on what is taken up rest with the Speaker and the Chairman.
“What should or should not be done in Parliament will be decided by the Speaker and the Chairman. Not every issue can be discussed in Parliament; some matters need to be communicated directly to the people,” he said.
Opposition criticism
Goyal’s remarks came after opposition leaders raised concerns that the trade framework could disadvantage Indian farmers.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh warned that reducing or removing duties on US agricultural imports would expose Indian farmers to competition from heavily subsidised American producers.
AAP MP Sanjay Singh also criticised the deal, arguing that opening agricultural markets to the US could hurt rural livelihoods. He further accused the government of compromising national interest by cutting imports of cheaper Russian oil under external pressure.
India–US interim trade framework
The India–US interim trade deal, announced after months of negotiations amid tariff-related tensions, provides for a reduction in reciprocal US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent.
In a joint statement, both sides said they would move quickly to implement the framework while continuing discussions towards a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement.
The government has said sensitive agricultural and dairy products — including maize, wheat, rice, soya, poultry, meat, milk, cheese, ethanol, tobacco and certain vegetables — remain outside the scope of tariff concessions to protect farmers and rural livelihoods.
Goyal has also highlighted the economic potential of the framework, calling it a major opportunity for Indian exporters through access to the $30 trillion US market, while maintaining safeguards for the domestic agricultural sector.
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