According to the minister, the government has maintained a firm stance in negotiations to ensure that sensitive agricultural sectors are shielded from adverse import competition. He emphasized that farmer welfare remains central to policymaking and argued that no provision under discussion would undermine domestic production or rural livelihoods. The rebuttal sought to reassure producers and stakeholders concerned about potential market disruptions.

The exchange reflects broader political tensions surrounding trade liberalization and food security in India, where agriculture supports millions of households and carries significant electoral weight. Opposition voices have warned that closer trade alignment with Washington could weaken price stability or procurement systems, while the government maintains that safeguards and strategic protections are firmly embedded in the framework.

Shah further accused critics of spreading misinformation and attempting to generate fear among farmers for political gain. By inviting an open debate, he positioned the administration as transparent and confident in the agreement’s protections, while underscoring its broader economic rationale tied to growth, investment, and bilateral cooperation.