BHOPAL, Feb 8: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday defended the India-US trade deal, asserting it was reached through constructive dialogue and not “saudebaazi” (underhand bargaining).
He strongly rejected Congress allegations that the agreement amounted to surrendering India’s interests, emphasizing that the pact prioritizes farmers and the national interest. Speaking at a press conference, Chouhan stressed that key agricultural products vital to India’s farmers have been explicitly excluded from the agreement to ensure their livelihoods remain protected.
Chouhan highlighted that no product capable of harming Indian farmers’ interests has been included in the deal.
He pointed out that the Congress, despite ruling for decades, failed to connect farmers to global markets or ensure economic stability.
“The India-US trade deal sends a message to the world that Bharat’s policy is one of commitment, not compromise,” he said, adding that the country approaches global negotiations with self-confidence, placing the nation’s interests first.
He described the pact as a unique example of diplomacy, development, and dignity, asserting that the deal preserves the dignity of Indian farmers.
Regarding opposition criticism, Chouhan countered Congress claims that India might become a dumping ground for American products, arguing that agricultural products—considered the backbone of the Indian farming economy—have been protected.
He highlighted that the government has not allowed any genetically modified (GM) products, preserving the purity of Indian soil and seeds.
Chouhan detailed the agricultural items explicitly excluded from tariff concessions under the deal, emphasizing comprehensive protection for critical sectors.
Meat, poultry, dairy products, rice, wheat, sugar, coarse grains, oilseeds, bananas, strawberries, cherries, citrus fruits, green peas, chickpeas, moong, ethanol, and tobacco were exempted.
Further, dehusked grains, flour, potatoes, onions, peas, beans, cucumbers, mushrooms, frozen vegetables, oranges, grapes, lemons, and mixed canned vegetables are also protected.
Dairy products such as milk (liquid, powdered, condensed), cream, yoghurt, buttermilk, butter, ghee, butter oil, paneer, whey, and cheese, along with spices like black pepper, cloves, dried green chillies, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, asafoetida, ginger, turmeric, carom seeds, and fenugreek, are excluded from concessions.
These measures, Chouhan said, safeguard the livelihoods of Indian farmer families and preserve India’s agricultural self-sufficiency.
On India’s economic trajectory, Chouhan argued that decades of Congress misrule caused the country’s global economic ranking to fall from sixth at Independence to eleventh.
Under the current government, India is progressing rapidly toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
He reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment ensures that India will not bow under pressure or compromise farmers’ interests in any international agreement.
Chouhan underscored that the India-US trade pact was the result of balanced and constructive dialogue rather than hasty bargaining, and represented a win-win framework for both countries.
He maintained that the agreement reflects India’s strategic approach to diplomacy while protecting the agriculture sector, national interests, and farmer livelihoods.
By excluding sensitive products and preventing GM imports, the government has ensured that domestic agriculture and food security remain intact, countering opposition criticisms and reinforcing India’s position as a self-reliant yet globally engaged economy.
Overall, Chouhan portrayed the trade deal as a carefully negotiated agreement that balances India’s economic engagement with global markets while safeguarding farmers’ welfare, national interests, and agricultural integrity, rejecting claims of surrender or compromise by political opponents. (PTI)
