'India-US Trade Deal Doesn't Hurt Farmers, MSMEs': Piyush Goyal Hits Back At Opposition Criticism

Last Updated:February 07, 2026, 14:28 IST

'Trying To Mislead Farmers': Piyush Goyal Hits Back At Opposition Over India-US Trade Deal Criticism

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday strongly countered opposition criticism of the India-US interim trade framework, accusing them of attempting to mislead farmers despite safeguards built into the agreement.

Goyal said certain sections were “anti-farmer" and were deliberately spreading misinformation about the deal.

“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, asserting that the government had taken no step that would harm farmers’ interests.

The minister said the agreement strikes a balance by expanding export opportunities for Indian industries 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.

Reacting to the opposition’s demand for a parliamentary debate on the trade agreement, the minister said decisions on what is taken up in Parliament 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 of the country," he said.

Opposition Criticism

Goyal’s remarks came after opposition leaders raised concerns that the trade framework could place Indian farmers at a disadvantage.

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 agreement, arguing that opening agricultural markets to the US could severely affect rural livelihoods.

He further accused the government of compromising national interest by cutting back on imports of cheaper Russian oil under external pressure.

India-US Trade Deal

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 countries have said they will move quickly to implement the framework while continuing discussions toward a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).

The government has stressed that sensitive agricultural and dairy products, including maize, wheat, rice, soya, poultry, meat, milk, cheese, ethanol (fuel), tobacco and certain vegetables, have been kept outside the scope of tariff concessions to ensure the protection of farmers and rural livelihoods.

Goyal has also highlighted the economic upside of the framework, describing it as a significant opportunity for Indian exporters by opening access to the $30 trillion US market, while maintaining safeguards for the domestic agricultural sector.

News india 'India-US Trade Deal Doesn't Hurt Farmers, MSMEs': Piyush Goyal Hits Back At Opposition Criticism

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