‘India is self-sufficient’: Piyush Goyal rules out import benefits for US farm products in trade deal

New Delhi | 7 Feb 2026 Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday made it clear that India will not offer any import benefits to the United States for agricultural products under the bilateral trade agreement. Explaining the India-US joint statement, he said the decision was taken because India is “self-sufficient” in the agricultural sector and must protect the interests of its farmers. Speaking at a press conference, Goyal listed the products that will not get import benefits. These include meat, poultry, dairy items, soyabean, maize, rice, wheat, cereals, millets like jawar, bajra and ragi, fruits, green tea, oil seeds, ground nuts, honey, non-alcoholic drinks, ethanol and tobacco. He said such sensitive sectors are vital for India’s economy and livelihoods. The minister pointed out that India has always kept key farm sectors outside trade agreements, unlike some of its deals with the European Union, the United Kingdom and Australia. Products such as dairy, rice, wheat, meat, poultry, cereals, GM foods and maize have traditionally been protected due to their importance for food security and rural income. Sharing positive aspects of the trade pact, Goyal said the agreement will open a $30 trillion market for Indian exporters, especially MSMEs, farmers and fishermen. He added that items like gems and diamonds, pharmaceuticals and smartphones will continue to enjoy zero duty in the US. In agriculture, products such as spices, tea, coffee, coconut, cashew, areca nut, fruits and vegetables will benefit from zero reciprocal tariffs, which will boost exports and create lakhs of new jobs for women and youth. ‘India is self-sufficient’: Goyal says no special import relief for US farm goods in trade pact Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said India will not offer import benefits to the United States for agricultural products under the India-US trade agreement. Explaining the joint statement, he said the decision reflects the fact that India is “self-sufficient” in agriculture and must safeguard the interests of its farmers. Addressing the media, Goyal shared that the restricted list includes meat, poultry, dairy products, soyabean, maize, rice, wheat, cereals, millets like jawar, bajra and ragi, along with fruits, green tea, oil seeds, ground nuts, honey, non-alcoholic beverages, ethanol and tobacco. He stressed that these sectors are sensitive and play a major role in India’s rural economy. The minister also noted that India has consistently kept such key farm sectors outside its trade agreements, as seen in the past with dairy, rice, wheat, meat, poultry, cereals and GM foods. He said protecting these areas is important for food security and the livelihood of millions of farmers. Highlighting the positive side, Goyal said the trade pact will open a $30 trillion market for Indian exporters, especially MSMEs, farmers and fishermen. He added that several Indian products like gems and diamonds, pharmaceuticals and smartphones will continue to enjoy zero duty. In agriculture, items such as spices, tea, coffee, coconut and cashew will benefit from zero reciprocal tariffs, helping exports grow and creating jobs for women and youth.