White House Fact Sheet Update: Pulses Removed from India-US Trade Deal

The White House has issued a revised version of its official fact sheet concerning the proposed trade agreement between India and the United States. In a notable shift, the updated document has removed the specific mention of 'pulses' from the list of agricultural products slated for tariff reductions, while On top of that, the language regarding India's proposed $500 billion purchase of American goods and services has been moderated. The term 'commitment' has been replaced with 'intends,' signaling a more aspirational rather than a definitive contractual obligation. This revision comes amid a heated political debate in India over the transparency of the trade negotiations.

Key Revisions in the Fact Sheet

The updated fact sheet, released following the initial document on February 9, reflects significant changes in the description of trade terms. The original version stated that India would eliminate or reduce tariffs on a range of American industrial and agricultural products, explicitly naming pulses among them. The removal of this reference is seen as a move to address sensitivities in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, the change from 'commitment' to 'intent' regarding the $500 billion trade target suggests a diplomatic recalibration. According to analysts, such linguistic adjustments are common in high-stakes trade negotiations to provide flexibility to both participating governments.

Political Controversy and Transparency Concerns

The initial inclusion of pulses in the White House document triggered a sharp reaction from the opposition in India. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that the provision was 'quietly added' to the fact sheet on February 9, noting its absence from the joint statement issued on February 6, 2026. The opposition argued that the government had not fully disclosed the extent of agricultural concessions to the public. They claimed that including agricultural products in the massive $500 billion purchase plan could potentially impact domestic farmers. The controversy centered on whether the fact sheet accurately reflected the consensus reached during bilateral discussions.

Government Clarification on Agricultural Interests

In response to the allegations, senior Indian ministers have asserted that the interests of the farming community remain a top priority. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal stated that the government has not compromised on sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy, while he emphasized that the trade deal is designed to protect domestic producers while expanding market access for Indian exports. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan further clarified that no tariff concessions have been granted on critical products including soybean, maize, rice, wheat, sugar, poultry, dairy, and various pulses like moong and chickpeas. The government maintains that the deal aims for a balanced economic partnership.

Trade Barriers and the Path to BTA

The White House document also highlighted existing trade challenges, noting that India maintains some of the highest tariffs among major economies. It cited an average tariff of 37% on agricultural products and over 100% on certain vehicles. The fact sheet also pointed toward 'highly protectionist non-tariff barriers' that have historically restricted US exports. Moving forward, both nations are expected to work toward an interim agreement and eventually a mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The focus remains on addressing non-tariff barriers in priority sectors and establishing rules of origin to ensure that the benefits of the deal accrue primarily to the two nations.

Conclusion and Diplomatic Outlook

The revision of the White House fact sheet underscores the complexities involved in aligning the economic agendas of India and the United States. By removing the mention of pulses and adjusting the terminology of the purchase target, both administrations appear to be navigating domestic political pressures while maintaining the momentum of the trade partnership. According to trade experts, the success of the BTA will depend on the ability of both sides to resolve differences over market access and tariffs. While the immediate controversy over pulses may subside, the long-term implementation of the $500 billion trade goal will remain a focal point of bilateral relations.