The White House has removed pulses from a fact sheet outlining agreements reached during President Biden’s state visit to India, signaling a shift in trade discussions between the two nations. The move comes as Indian farmer groups protest the potential import of American pulses, fearing it will depress local prices.
India-US Trade Deal: Pulses Removed from Agreement
The initial fact sheet, released during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States, had mentioned the U.S. gaining access to the Indian market for certain agricultural products, including pulses. This has now been altered, according to reports.
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) has voiced strong opposition to the trade deal, announcing plans to burn effigies of both Prime Minister Modi and former U.S. President Donald Trump in protest.
A separate fact sheet released by the U.S. stated that India is committed to stopping purchases of Russian oil.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticized the deal, referring to it as a “pre-committed purchase pact” and highlighting a “two-minister ping-pong” regarding the agreement.
Concerns have also been raised that the import pledges made by India could widen the country’s trade deficit and put pressure on the rupee.
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