FM Sitharaman signals willingness for sweeping pact—so long as agriculture and dairy stay protected.
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated that India is open to a “big, good, beautiful” trade agreement with the U.S., echoing President Trump’s optimistic language, while making it clear that this openness comes with conditions timesofindia.indiatimes.com+15businesstoday.in+15business-standard.com+15.
She emphasized that agriculture and dairy are “very big red lines” in negotiations, underscoring their significance for Indian livelihoods. Opening these sectors without safeguards, she warned, could threaten domestic producers the-independent.com+3business-standard.com+3newindiaabroad.com+3.
The U.S. is pushing for greater access to Indian markets in areas including agriculturals, ethanol, dairy, autos, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices to rebalance a projected trade deficit. India, however, is proceeding cautiously, aiming to protect local industries and uphold food security reuters.com.
With a looming July 9 deadline before reciprocal U.S. tariffs kick in, both governments have extended negotiations. India has offered tariff cuts on select U.S. goods like motorcycles and whiskey, but significant friction remains in sensitive sectors timesofindia.indiatimes.com+11newindiaabroad.com+11the-independent.com+11.
The broader trade backdrop reflects strategic recalibrations: India seeks comprehensive pacts—U.S. and EU included—while balancing openness with domestic resilience. The U.S. aims for bold results before year‑end, but political and structural complexities in both nations suggest a staged, rather than final, agreement .
Source: Reuters / Business Today – https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/india-would-love-to-have-a-big-beautiful-pact-nirmala-sitharaman-quotes-trump-on-india-us-trade-deal-482388-2025-06-30
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