India Keen On “Big, Beautiful” US Trade Deal, But Draws Red Lines On Agriculture And GM Crops: Finance Minister Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has expressed India’s strong desire to secure a “big, good, beautiful” trade agreement with the United States, but firmly underlined that certain red lines cannot be crossed, particularly in sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy.

In an interview with the Financial Express, Sitharaman said, “US is one of India’s most important trade partners.” She emphasised the urgency of clinching agreements with major economies, given India’s ambition to become a developed country by 2047.

Recalling former US President Donald Trump’s phrase about a “big, beautiful bill,” she remarked she would be happy to see a “big and beautiful” trade deal between the two nations.

Asked about non-negotiable areas for India, Sitharaman said the Indian team entered talks well-prepared, having considered feedback from domestic industries.

“There’s no way we could do anything that would weaken our agriculture, our farmers’ positions,” she stressed.

While India is open to exploring better market access and reciprocation in some sectors, a major sticking point remains.

Reports indicate the US continues to press for the entry of genetically modified (GM) crops into India’s agricultural market. India has firmly rejected this demand, citing concerns over farmer welfare and food safety.

Sitharaman also addressed the possibility of the US reducing duties under a bilateral deal, explaining that such changes would require action from Congress, making it a lengthy process.

On offering relaxations to the US on non-tariff matters, the Finance Minister noted that “trade negotiations should not get initiated by non-tariff concerns.”

She highlighted emerging issues such as sustainability, carbon taxes, and gender as areas where India must tread cautiously.

“We just can’t walk into it, because India is an emerging market, with our own market requirements,” she said.

Sitharaman added that India’s procurement policies must protect vulnerable sectors like MSMEs and start-ups, remarking, “We can’t open it up for someone without these concerns addressed."

Also Read: Tamil Nadu Rolls Out Rural Roads And Housing Push, Centre Funds Rs 1,837 Crore Under PM Gram Sadak Yojana