New Delhi: India’s agriculture ministry on Tuesday clarified in the Lok Sabha that the country has not suffered losses in agricultural exports due to higher tariffs imposed by the United States. Responding to a question on the impact of U.S. trade measures, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ramnath Thakur said the government has been “closely monitoring developments in US trade policy and the performance of India’s agricultural and allied exports.”
Citing fresh trade data, Thakur told the House that exports to the U.S. have in fact grown, not fallen. “As per latest data available from DGCIS, India’s exports of agricultural and allied products to the USA have increased to USD 2830.79 million in FY 2025-26 (Apr–Sep) from USD 2818.62 million in the same period of previous year,” he said. The figures indicate that tariff actions have not dented India’s farm shipments to its largest export market.
On the question of whether India had sought tariff relaxation or compensation from the U.S., the minister confirmed that both countries are currently working on a wider trade pact. “India and the US are currently negotiating a Bilateral Trade Agreement, through which inter-alia both sides seek to reduce tariff barriers to trade in a mutually beneficial manner,” Thakur stated.
The government also outlined a multi-pronged strategy to safeguard the interests of farmers and exporters amid global trade uncertainties. According to the minister, the Centre continues to work on “a comprehensive strategy encompassing intensive engagement with the US Government,” alongside domestic reforms such as “enhancement of internal demand through next generation GST reforms.”
He further noted that a suite of export-promotion tools is being deployed to support affected sectors, including the Export Promotion Mission, Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters, and various RBI trade relief measures. India is simultaneously pursuing new free trade agreements, better utilisation of existing FTAs, and expanded market intelligence tools to strengthen export resilience. These steps, the government said, are expected to “enhance diversification and resilience in India’s trade relationships.”
Reiterating the Centre’s broader commitment, Thakur said the government remains determined to “secure and advance the country’s national interest and protect the welfare of our farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, exporters, MSMEs and all sections of industry,” adding that all necessary measures will be taken to boost agricultural trade and shield it from external shocks.