|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
US issues corrected version removing claim on cut in tariffs on pulses
|
|
Friday, 13 February, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi
|
The White House has issued a corrected version of its official fact sheet regarding the new interim trade framework with India, removing a controversial claim that New Delhi had agreed to reduce tariffs on pulses.
The revision occurred within 24 hours of the original document’s release on February 9/10, 2026, following formal pushback from Indian negotiators who cited ‘inadvertent inclusions’ of items not covered in the bilateral agreement.
In the initial document, the US listed 'certain pulses’, among the agricultural products slated for tariff relief. This inclusion was met with immediate concern in India, the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, where high import duties are used to protect domestic farmers.
The updated fact sheet has deleted all references to pulses. Additionally, while the US initially listed ‘agricultural products’ as part of a proposed $500 billion procurement plan, the revised version has removed the word ‘agricultural’ from that specific purchase list, focusing instead on energy and technology.
Further, the language regarding India’s $500 billion purchase of US goods was changed from ‘committed to buy’ to ‘intends to buy,’ mirroring the non-binding phrasing used in the February 7 joint statement.
A formal, comprehensive trade agreement is expected to be signed by March 2026 between India and the US, following further technical negotiations to finalise the ‘fine print’ that caused this week's diplomatic row.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|