External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized that there are clear “red lines” in the ongoing India-US trade negotiations, particularly concerning the interests of Indian farmers and small producers. Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum, Jaishankar clarified that despite multiple rounds of talks for an interim trade deal, no breakthrough has been achieved yet due to key disagreements, further complicated by US tariffs on Indian exports linked to Russian oil purchases.

Jaishankar stated, “Negotiations are still going on. The bottom line is we have some red lines… primarily the interests of our farmers and, to some extent, our small producers. We are very determined on that, and that’s not something we can compromise on.”

The US has been urging India to open its markets for American dairy, poultry, and agricultural products such as corn, soybeans, wheat, ethanol, fruits, and nuts. However, India has resisted, citing concerns over genetically modified crops like corn and soybeans, which are widely grown in the US but banned in India due to health and environmental risks.

Dairy remains another sensitive sector, supporting millions of rural households, especially small and landless farmers, who rely on it for stability against crop failures and monsoon uncertainties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated this stance, asserting in his Independence Day speech that India will not compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen, and cattle rearers.