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Trump's India Trade Deal to Boost US Farm Exports, Congress Raises Alarm

US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a new trade deal with India that will increase exports of American farm products like nuts, cotton, and soybean oil to the Indian market. The announcement followed President Donald Trump's social media post unveiling the agreement, which also claims India will halt purchases of Russian oil. The Indian Congress party has demanded full details of the deal, questioning the impact of reducing tariffs to zero and opening the agriculture sector on Indian farmers and industry. The deal comes months after the US imposed tariffs on Indian goods linked to its imports of Russian crude oil.

Key Points: US-India Trade Deal: US Farm Exports to Rise, Congress Questions

  • Deal to boost US farm exports to India
  • Congress questions lack of Indian details
  • Concerns over zero tariffs & farmer security
  • Trump announced deal after 2025 tariffs
  • India's Russian oil purchases a key backdrop
3 min read

Trump aide claims deal would pump American farm goods in India

US ag secretary says deal will pump American farm goods into India. Congress demands details, questions impact on Indian farmers and industry.

"New US-India deal will export more American farm products to India's massive market - Brooke Rollins"

Washington DC, February 3

US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins on Tuesday said that as per the India-US deal, Washington will export more of its farm products to India. Rollins said that the deal will pump more cash in rural America.

In a post on X, the Secretary said, "Thank you US President Donald Trump for ONCE AGAIN delivering for our American farmers. New US-India deal will export more American farm products to India's massive market, lifting prices, and pumping cash into rural America. In 2024, America's agricultural trade deficit with India was $1.3 billion. India's growing population is an important market for American agricultural products and today's deal will go a long way to reducing this deficit. America First victory on top of the dozens of deals for ag"

India is yet to detail out the tenets of the Trade Deal with the United States. U.S. agricultural exports in 2025 reached approximately 1.7 billion USD according to USDA data. Demand was driven by tree nuts (almonds, pistachios), cotton, and soybean oil.

The Agriculture Secretary's remarks followed US President Donald Trump's announcement of a trade deal with India, months after imposing 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods in August 2025. The agreement, unveiled on Trump's social media platform Truth Social, features significant tariff reductions and includes claims that India would halt purchases of Russian oil. Trump had earlier levied a 50 per cent tariff on India, with 25 per cent linked to crude imports from Russia, as administration officials repeatedly alleged that India's oil purchases helped finance Russia's war against Ukraine.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Congress demanded the complete details of the India-US trade deal, raising questions over several key aspects such as the opening of the agriculture sector, the reduction of tariffs to "zero" and a pause on the purchase of Russian oil, as claimed by US President Donald Trump.

In a post on X, Congress first questioned the manner of the deal announcement, then delved into the details shared by Donald Trump. The party said that reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers against the US to 'zero will "impact" India and also questioned how opening the agriculture sector would ensure the "security of farmers."

"Just like the ceasefire, the announcement of the trade deal was also made by US President Trump. It has been stated that the trade deal is being done 'on Modi's request'," Congress said.

"Trump says that India will move to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers against the United States to 'zero'. It seems India has agreed to completely open our market for America. This will impact Indian industry, traders and farmers. There is talk of opening the agriculture sector for America in the statement as well. What exactly is the deal? How has the security and interests of our farmers been ensured?" they asked.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
The US framing this as an "America First victory" says it all. Their goal is to reduce their trade deficit, not create a mutually beneficial partnership. We should be equally focused on securing market access for our IT services, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. 🇮🇳
A
Aman W
Honestly, more choice for consumers isn't bad. I don't mind having access to different products. But the way Trump announced it, linking it to Russian oil and calling it a favor to Modi ji, feels like diplomatic pressure. We shouldn't negotiate under such public ultimatums.
P
Priyanka N
The Congress is asking the right questions. "Zero" tariffs? What did we get in return? Our farmers are already under stress. We can't let them be collateral damage in a deal meant to score political points for an American election. Full transparency is needed, not just announcements on Truth Social.
D
David E
From a trade perspective, this could be positive if managed well. India has a massive demand for protein and edible oils. Sourcing high-quality soy oil and tree nuts from the US could stabilize prices here. The key is ensuring our domestic producers are protected with smart quotas and safeguards.
K
Karthik V
Why is the deal's announcement one-sided from the US? Our commerce ministry should have been the first to detail the benefits for India. This silence is worrying. Jai Kisan! 🚜 We must protect our annadatas at all costs.

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