The rapid announcement of a trade pact between President Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi has sparked a global debate. While the Indian government frames it as a strategic win, US media outlets are analyzing it from the perspective of American farmers seeking access to India’s massive market.

Insights from US Media: Major outlets like The New York Times, Reuters, and AP News suggest that the deal is a mixed bag. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer highlighted that India will now impose 0% duty on American almonds, walnuts, select fruits, and spirits. This is being hailed as a win for US agriculture, aimed at narrowing the $1.3 billion trade deficit recorded in 2024.

India’s Red Lines: Despite American pressure, India maintained a firm stance on its most sensitive sectors:

• Dairy Sector: India has kept liquid milk and dairy products from “meat-fed” animals out of the deal to protect the livelihoods of 70 million Indian dairy farmers.
• GM Crops: Restrictions on Genetically Modified (GM) crops and products remain unchanged, much to the disappointment of US agri-lobbies.
• Core Crops: Strategic commodities like rice, wheat, and soybeans continue to be under protection, ensuring Indian farmers aren’t hit by subsidized imports.

The Verdict: US news agencies view this as a tactical victory for Trump in his “tariff war,” but acknowledge that India has not yielded on core agrarian interests. Analysts suggest that India only opened sectors where domestic farmers face no direct threat, such as premium nuts and foreign fruits. A high-level US team is currently in Delhi to finalize the joint declaration expected by mid-February.