India-US trade deal: ‘Negotiations always two-way’, says Amul MD amid farmers’ concerns

Speaking to NDTV, Amul Managing Director Jayan Mehta said the pact, announced last week, would not hurt farmers or the agricultural market and would instead provide valuable access to the US market.

“Market access is a very important part, and trade negotiations are always a two-way process,” Mehta told the broadcaster.

“The negotiations were necessary to secure larger market access, and that has been achieved through this deal. More importantly, tariffs coming down from 50 per cent to 18 per cent will help Indian products gain better access to international markets, paving the way for a brighter future for everyone associated with this sector,” he added.

Mehta also highlighted the importance of cattle feed in the dairy and livestock sector.

Meanwhile, farmer organisations have raised concerns that cheaper American products entering the Indian market could adversely impact domestic farmers. In protest, groups led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the All India Kisan Sabha have announced a nationwide strike on February 12.

The United States and India last week finalised a framework for an interim trade deal, days after US President Donald Trump announced the long-pending agreement, which has injected fresh momentum into strained bilateral ties, media reports said.

The framework was finalised after nearly a year of negotiations. Since taking office, Trump had adopted a tough stance on India over alleged unfair trade practices and its purchase of Russian oil.

As previously announced by Trump, the US has reduced the overall tariff on Indian goods from 50 per cent—comprising counter-tariffs and levies linked to Russian oil purchases—to 18 per cent, offering significant relief to Indian exporters.