India–US trade deal protects farmers’ interests, agriculture and dairy kept out: Piyush Goyal in Lok Sabha
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday asserted in the Lok Sabha that the India–US trade deal has fully safeguarded the interests of Indian farmers, with sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy kept completely outside its ambit. Addressing the House amid noisy protests by opposition members, Goyal said the agreement was carefully structured to protect food security and farming concerns while unlocking wider economic opportunities.
Speaking during the ongoing Budget Session, Goyal said India had successfully ensured that agricultural and dairy products were excluded from the trade agreement, shielding farmers from external pressures. He stressed that food and farming interests were given priority during negotiations with the United States.
The minister said the trade partnership would open new avenues for micro, small and medium enterprises, skilled workers and industry, while strengthening bilateral ties between India and the US. He also underlined energy security as a critical focus of the agreement, calling it a top priority for the country’s 140 crore citizens.
However, the proceedings were disrupted as opposition MPs raised slogans, creating a ruckus that eventually led to the adjournment of the Lok Sabha after the Speaker found it impossible to continue business amid the chaos.
Trade deal and economic vision
Highlighting the broader impact of the agreement, Goyal said the deal would help India gain easier access to advanced technologies. He linked this to the government’s long-term manufacturing and innovation push, stating that it would support initiatives such as “Make in India for the World”, “Design in India for the World” and “Innovate in India for the World”.
Earlier this week, Goyal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally helped clinch the deal, which had remained stuck in prolonged negotiations at official and ministerial levels. According to the minister, finalising the agreement was crucial after Indian exports of labour-intensive goods such as seafood and textiles were hit by steep punitive tariffs of up to 50 per cent imposed earlier by the Trump administration.
Political reactions and sharp exchanges
Goyal also took a swipe at the opposition, launching a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He accused Gandhi of misleading the country and lacking commitment to India’s development. Goyal claimed that previous Congress-led governments had weakened the economy and warned that returning to those policies would reverse India’s growth trajectory.
The minister said the current agreement would boost economic growth and generate opportunities for farmers, fishermen, women, youth and the poor. He reiterated that the deal was negotiated in the national interest, balancing growth with protection of vulnerable sectors.
Broader parliamentary context
The developments came as Parliament continued discussions on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address. President Droupadi Murmu had addressed a joint sitting of both Houses on January 28 at the start of the Budget Session. Prime Minister Modi is expected to reply to the debate in Parliament later on Wednesday.
Impact and significance
The government’s defence of the India–US trade deal highlights its attempt to strike a balance between global integration and domestic protection. By excluding agriculture and dairy, New Delhi has sought to address long-standing concerns of farmers while leveraging trade to revive exports hit by high tariffs. Politically, the debate has also sharpened divisions in Parliament, with the deal emerging as a key flashpoint during the Budget Session
As the government pitches the India–US trade deal as a growth-oriented yet farmer-friendly agreement, scrutiny from the opposition is likely to continue. With Parliament witnessing repeated disruptions, the real test of the agreement will lie in its implementation and its ability to deliver tangible benefits without compromising sensitive domestic sectors.
Our Final Thoughts
The government’s emphasis on shielding agriculture and dairy reflects the political and economic sensitivity surrounding farm interests in India. While the India–US trade deal promises growth and global opportunities, its success will ultimately be judged by how effectively it boosts exports and jobs without unsettling farmers—a balance that will remain under close watch in the months ahead.