From ‘committed’ to ‘intends’: A closer look at the key change in India-US trade deal factsheet

In a significant recalibration of its messaging, the United States has revised its official factsheet on the recently announced interim trade agreement with India, removing references to pulses, softening language around a proposed $500 billion purchase plan, and deleting mention of digital services tax removal.  

The updated document, issued by the White House on Wednesday, modifies key elements of the earlier version released on February 9, days after Washington and New Delhi announced what they described as a “historic” trade deal and a road map for deeper economic engagement.  

With the final agreement expected to be signed next month, both sides are likely to frame the interim pact as a balanced arrangement that advances trade ties while protecting core domestic interests. 

What has changed so far?  

One of the most notable changes concerns the language describing India’s proposed purchase of American goods. The earlier factsheet stated that India had “committed to” buying more US products and purchasing “over $500 billion of US energy, information and communication technology, agricultural, coal, and other products.”  

The revised version replaces “committed” with “intends,” aligning the text with the non-binding nature of the interim framework. It also removes any reference to agricultural goods from the purchase basket. The new wording reads: “India intends to buy more American products and purchase over $500 billion of US energy, information and communication technology, coal, and other products.”  

A similar change has been made in the joint statement issued on February 6, where “committed” has been substituted with “intends.”  The shift signals a tempering of earlier claims about the scale and certainty of India’s procurement obligations.  

Updated factsheet removes pulses from tariff list  

The original factsheet said India would eliminate or reduce tariffs on US industrial goods and a wide range of agricultural products, including dried distillers’ grains (DDGs), red sorghum, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, certain pulses, soybean oil, wine, and spirits.  

The mention of pulses triggered political controversy in India, with critics raising concerns about the potential impact on domestic farmers. The updated factsheet no longer carries any reference to pulses among agricultural items qualifying for tariff reductions. This deletion is seen as a response to the backlash and reflects the sensitivity of agricultural trade in India.  

Commitment on digital services tax dropped 

Another key revision involves digital trade. The earlier version said India would remove its digital services taxes and negotiate a robust set of bilateral digital trade rules, including provisions prohibiting customs duties on electronic transmissions.  

The updated document removes the reference to eliminating digital services taxes. It now states only that India “committed to negotiate a robust set of bilateral digital trade rules” addressing discriminatory or burdensome practices and barriers to digital trade.  

India-US deal draws political criticism and support 

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal defended the agreement, saying that farmers’ interests have been kept “paramount and fully protected.” He asserted that major crops including wheat, rice, millets, soymeal, corn, spices, and potatoes have been safeguarded, and that India’s dairy and poultry sectors remain protected.  

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan echoed similar assurances, saying the arrangement does not compromise domestic agriculture. He added that spice producers could benefit from expanded export opportunities.  

The clarification came amid criticism from Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being “anti-farmer” and alleged that the interim deal undermines domestic interests.  

Trade talks begin February 2025, conclude with Modi-Trump call 

The interim agreement was announced following a telephone conversation between Modi and US President Donald Trump. It marks the culmination of nearly a year of negotiations that began in February 2025.  

Under the framework, India is set to benefit from reduced US duties—lowered to 18% from 50%—on a range of exports, including textiles and garments, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber goods, organic chemicals, home décor items, artisanal products, and select machinery categories.