No Concessions Made in India’s Agriculture and Dairy Sectors, Says Piyush Goyal

New Delhi- Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday asserted that the interests of Indian farmers remain a top priority and confirmed that no concessions have been made in sensitive agricultural sectors, including grains, fruits, vegetables, spices, oilseeds, dairy, poultry, and meat.

Responding to a query from IANS during a press conference, Goyal said India has secured preferential market access for its goods under the India-US Interim Trade Agreement framework.

“There has been absolutely no compromise on India’s dairy sector. No part of it has been opened under any conditions,” the minister clarified.

He noted that several Indian products will now benefit from duty-free access to the US market. These include tea, spices, coconut oil, vegetable wax, areca nut, Brazil nuts, chestnuts, and various fruits and vegetables.

Goyal further stated that vegetable roots, cereals, barley, bakery products, cocoa-based products, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and citrus juice will also be exempt from reciprocal tariffs, enabling them to enter the US duty-free.

The minister emphasised that the trade agreement has been structured to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods while expanding export opportunities for Indian producers.

He described the agreement as a major step towards accelerating India’s economic growth, highlighting that it would create significant opportunities for businesses, farmers, and workers across sectors.

Goyal added that a stronger economy would benefit all 140 crore citizens, bringing widespread prosperity. He characterised the agreement as fair and balanced, stating that it protects farmers, supports exporters, and strengthens economic cooperation between India and the United States.

He further stressed that the agreement would deepen trade relations, boost exports, and open new business opportunities for both nations.

“I can say with complete confidence that this India-US agreement does not harm the interests of India’s farmers, MSMEs, or the handloom and handicraft sectors in any manner,” Goyal reiterated.

With inputs from IANS