Mumbai: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has urged India to open its agricultural sector to greater American imports. India has historically resisted such moves in free trade agreements, citing the need to protect millions of domestic farmers engaged in sustenance farming.

Contrary to US President Donald Trump’s claim that India has agreed to reduce tariffs “way down” on American goods, India’s Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal has categorically denied any such commitment.

India's Commerce Secretary Issues Clarification

Speaking before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, Barthwal clarified that negotiations with the US are still underway and that India has requested time until September 2025 to address Washington’s concerns.

Sources privy to the meeting revealed that Barthwal informed the committee that while discussions with the US are ongoing India has not been formally targeted by any official American tariff impositions—unlike Mexico, Canada, and China. The committee was told that India is advocating for a long-term, mutually beneficial trade agreement with the US rather than immediate tariff reductions. “We will safeguard our domestic industries and strategic sectors,” Barthwal reportedly assured the panel.

“All trade agreements will be structured to serve the interests of both nations, in line with the joint statement signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump.”

The parliamentary review followed Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to the US, where he engaged in trade talks with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. India’s objective remains to secure trade concessions that could mitigate the economic impact of potential tariff hikes. Goyal is set to meet export promotion councils on Thursday to discuss trade concerns, particularly the threat of reciprocal tariffs from the US.

Exporters are expected to highlight issues related to the proposed bilateral trade agreement and its implications for key Indian industries. Industry insiders warn that retaliatory US tariffs could significantly impact India’s exports to America, its largest trading partner. However, they note that if the US grants duty concessions under the proposed agreement, sectors like textiles, handicrafts, leather, gems and jewellery could receive a substantial boost.