NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday flagged political and economic concerns over the emerging India-US trade arrangement, warning that provisions allowing American agricultural exports into India could hurt domestic farmers and expose the agriculture sector to unequal competition.
Addressing reporters in Baramati, the former Union agriculture minister said the contours of the recent India–US tariff understanding were still unclear and required closer scrutiny. “A clear picture will emerge in the next two days. Only after that can a final assessment be made,” Pawar said, signalling that the Opposition would closely examine the agreement once details are formally known.
Pawar’s remarks came against the backdrop of announcements by the US administration indicating a reset of tariffs between the two countries. The United States had earlier imposed a 50 per cent tariff on India, including a 25 per cent levy linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil. On Monday, US President Donald Trump said India and the US had agreed to a trade deal, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was pleased that “made in India” products would now attract a reduced tariff of 18 per cent.
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However, Pawar cautioned that the apparent concessions may come at a cost. “A provision in the tariff deal announced by the United States allows agricultural exports to India. This is a matter of concern for Indian farmers and the domestic agriculture sector,” he said.
Describing the US as a “powerful economy”, Pawar warned that large-scale agricultural exports from such a country could adversely impact local producers in importing nations. “I expect that Indian agriculture will be adequately safeguarded and not exposed to unfair competition,” the Rajya Sabha member said, underlining the political sensitivity of farm issues.
The issue has gained further traction after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Prime Minister Modi had committed to USD 500 billion in purchases of US energy, transportation and agricultural products. She also said American exports to India would face zero tariff, calling the deal a “huge win” for US workers and businesses.
Pawar also said he could not attend the ongoing Budget session of Parliament due to a family tragedy, referring to the death of his nephew and NCP leader Ajit Pawar. Commenting briefly on the Union Budget, he said initial reports suggested measures that could have burdened the common people were avoided, but added that stronger steps for development had been expected.
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