India US Trade Deal: Factsheet Updated, Pulses Removed and $500 Billion Purchase Intent Revised

The White House has issued a revised factsheet on the recently announced India US trade deal, removing references to pulses and altering the phrasing of the $500 billion purchase commitment. 

Key Changes in the Updated Factsheet 

The new document no longer lists pulses among the agricultural products for which India will cut tariffs. Earlier wording that said India “committed” to buy over $500 billion of US goods now reads that India “intends” to purchase that amount, and the reference to agricultural items has been omitted. The digital services tax clause has also been shortened, removing the promise that India will eliminate its tax. 

Removal of Pulses from Tariff List 

Initial drafts mentioned dried distillers’ grains, red sorghum, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, certain pulses, soybean oil, wine and spirits. The revised version deletes the pulse reference, leaving the remaining items unchanged. 

Read More: US and India Forge Landmark Interim Trade Agreement: Check Key Highlights! 

Revision of $500 billion Purchase Language 

The shift from “committed” to “intends” reduces the perceived binding nature of the purchase target. The updated text now specifies energy, information and communication technology, coal and other products, excluding agricultural goods. 

Digital Services Tax Negotiation Text Adjusted 

Earlier language promised removal of India’s digital services taxes and a ban on customs duties for electronic transmissions. The new version only states that India will negotiate robust bilateral digital trade rules addressing discriminatory practices. 

Tariff Reductions and Export Sectors 

Under the interim agreement, duties on a range of Indian exports fall to 18% from 50%. Sectors benefiting include textiles and garments, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber goods, organic chemicals, home décor, artisanal items and selected machinery categories. 

Conclusion 

The updated factsheet clarifies that pulses are no longer part of the tariff reduction schedule, the $500 billion purchase target is expressed as an intention rather than a commitment, and the digital tax removal promise has been softened. These adjustments refine the public description of the India US trade framework. 

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