Pulses are not mentioned in the revised fact sheet for the trade deal

11-Feb-2026 11:16 AM

New Delhi. The fact sheet for the bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States previously included dried distillers' grains (DDGS), red sorghum, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruits, soybean oil, wine, and spirits, along with selected pulses, among the products on which India was required to reduce or eliminate import duties.

However, the revised fact sheet now excludes pulses from the list. Similarly, while it was previously stated in a strict tone that India had promised to purchase products worth $500 billion from the United States and that it must fulfill this commitment, the revised framework has now softened the language considerably.

The absence of pulses from the list of products subject to the proposed tariff reduction in the revised fact sheet means that this will not be a binding condition for India but will be optional.

The Indian government can increase, decrease, or stabilize import duties on pulses based on its needs. It was believed that imports from the United States, especially of green lentils and yellow peas, could increase sharply following the reduction or elimination of tariffs, but this possibility has now diminished. However, pulse imports from the United States may continue in general.

Another significant change has been made regarding India's procurement plan. The previous fact sheet stated that India had committed to purchasing more US products, with purchases expected to exceed $500 billion. However, the revised fact sheet has changed this wording.

The new fact sheet states that India intends to purchase energy sources, information and communication technology, coal, and other products from the United States worth more than $500 billion. The word "intent" has now been used instead of "pledge," which is not binding. The status quo regarding other products has been maintained.