In a development that has sent ripples through international trade circles, the White House has made quiet but significant revisions to the India-US trade agreement factsheet originally published on February 9. The sudden removal of references to specific agricultural products and pulses has raised questions about the evolving nature of the multi-billion dollar deal.

The Semantic Shift: Commitment vs. Intention One of the most striking changes is the wording regarding India’s massive $500 billion (approx. ₹45 lakh crore) purchase of US goods. While the initial document used the term “committed” to describe India’s obligation, the revised version now phrases it as an “intent to purchase.” Furthermore, the word “Agriculture” has been strategically deleted from the list of goods India is expected to procure, which previously included energy, ICT, and coal.

Digital Tax and Russian Oil: What Stays and What Goes? The revised factsheet also saw the deletion of the line stating, “India will abolish its Digital Service Tax.” This suggests ongoing negotiations regarding digital trade barriers. Interestingly, the conditions regarding Russian oil remain untouched. President Donald Trump has agreed to remove the additional 25% tariff on Indian imports in exchange for India’s pledge to halt Russian oil purchases—a policy that remains consistent in the new draft. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has indicated that the final agreement is slated for signature in mid-March in New Delhi.