New Delhi: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday hit back at the opposition’s criticism of the India–US interim trade framework, accusing them of trying to mislead farmers despite safeguards built into the agreement.
“There are some people in this country who try to mislead farmers. They are surprised that no concessions have been given on agricultural products under the India-US agreement," he said, asserting that the government had taken no step that would harm farmers’ interests.
Reacting to the opposition’s demand for a parliamentary debate on the India–US trade deal, Goyal said that decisions on what is taken up in Parliament rest with the Speaker and the Chairman.
“What should or should not be done in Parliament will be decided by the Speaker and the Chairman. Not every issue can be discussed in Parliament; some matters need to be communicated directly to the people of the country," he said.
Goyal also highlighted the Indian items that will be exported duty-free to the US:
Gems
Pharmaceuticals
Smartphones
Agricultural products:
Spices
Tea
Coffee
Coconut
Vegetable wax
Cashew nut
Avocado
Banana
Mango
Mushroom
Vegetable planting material
Vegetable roots
Cereals, including barley
Bakery products
Jams
India-US Trade Deal
The India–US interim trade deal was announced on Monday after months of negotiations amid tariff-related tensions. It provides for a reduction in reciprocal US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent.
In a joint statement, both countries said they would move quickly to implement the framework while continuing discussions towards a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
