US removes pulses from statement on India trade deal

that India could eliminate or reduce tariffs on a wide range of US agricultural and food products, including certain pulses. The updated version removed this reference and softened the language regarding India’s plans to increase purchases of American goods. Indian farmer organizations, which represent a politically influential bloc, had previously criticized the deal for potential concessions to the US and lack of clarity. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha coalition announced plans to hold nationwide protests against the trade agreement. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has sought to reassure the agricultural sector, emphasizing that sensitive areas, including dairy and poultry, were excluded from the negotiations. Indian officials also stressed that the government had only expressed an intention to expand US imports, not binding commitments. US President Donald Trump announced the trade deal last week following talks with Modi. The agreement includes reducing ...