India Safeguards Agriculture in Landmark US Trade Deal

India has safeguarded its agriculture and dairy sectors in the India-US trade agreement to protect rural livelihoods. Given the sensitivity of agriculture in India's economy, reducing import duties could harm domestic farmers and lead to political and economic consequences. The new agreement ensures India's agricultural needs are preserved.

India's recent trade agreement with the United States has made headlines by prioritizing the protection of its crucial agriculture and dairy sectors. This decision underscores the sector's vital role in the rural economy, a juxtaposition to the heavily mechanized agricultural industries of developed countries.

Global agricultural trade dynamics reveal that five multinational corporations control a vast majority of international food trade, often employing predatory pricing strategies. India's move to guard its sector against such practices is an effort to shield its farmers from unfair market pressures, which could ensue if tariffs were reduced.

The US and other developed nations view India as a critical market to expand exports, but India's stance in the trade deal reflects its commitment to ensuring sustainable livelihoods for over half of its population reliant on agriculture. The agreement marks a pivotal moment in retaining sovereignty over its agricultural economy while navigating global trade complexities.

(With inputs from agencies.)