India on Thursday (12) said the February 7 joint statement issued with the United States continues to serve as the authoritative framework for the proposed interim trade agreement between the two countries. The clarification came after Washington revised a White House fact sheet to align it with what New Delhi described as a “shared understanding” between both sides.

Addressing a weekly media briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the February 7 joint statement outlining a framework for “reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade” remains the basis of ongoing negotiations between India and the United States. He added that both countries are now working toward implementing that framework and finalizing the interim agreement.

“The joint statement is the framework and remains the basis of our mutual understanding in the matter,” Jaiswal said. He noted that amendments to the US fact sheet reflect the understandings reached so far in India US trade discussions.

India US Trade Framework Remains Unchanged

The clarification from India follows changes made by the White House to a fact sheet that had initially triggered controversy in India. The earlier version stated that India would reduce tariffs on “certain pulses” and had committed to purchasing $500 billion worth of American goods, including energy and technology products, over a five-year period.

The revised document removed references to tariff reductions on pulses and softened language related to purchases. Instead of stating a firm commitment, the updated version says India “intends to buy” more US goods.

People familiar with the discussions said India raised concerns with Washington over language that suggested binding commitments on issues still under negotiation. After those representations from India, the US updated the document to reflect what India described as the current shared understanding.

India and Agricultural Tariff Sensitivities

The amended fact sheet continues to list agricultural products such as tree nuts, soybean oil, wine, and spirits as potential areas for tariff reductions under the proposed India US trade arrangement. However, pulses are no longer included.

Pulses remain a politically sensitive issue in India. As the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, India faces sustained pressure from domestic farmers’ groups who are cautious about agricultural market liberalization. Any tariff reductions in this sector are closely scrutinized due to concerns over farmer livelihoods and price stability.

By removing references to pulses, the revised US document aligns more closely with India’s stated position that sensitive agricultural sectors remain under discussion and are not yet finalized within the interim trade framework.

India’s Position on Digital Trade and Taxation

The updated fact sheet also revised language concerning India’s digital services tax. The earlier version suggested that India would eliminate its digital services tax. The amended document now states that India is “committed to negotiating” digital trade rules.

India had already scrapped its 6 percent equalization levy on digital advertising services effective April 1, 2025, through the Finance Bill. However, broader digital trade provisions remain part of ongoing India US trade negotiations.

New Delhi has consistently maintained that digital trade rules must be negotiated as part of a comprehensive framework rather than being treated as unilateral concessions. The revised language in the US document reflects that these issues remain subject to negotiation under the agreed February 7 framework.

India US Trade Ties Amid Tariff Pressures

India US trade ties have experienced strain over the past year. The United States had imposed steep reciprocal and punitive tariffs on certain Indian exports, leading to friction between the two countries. Those duties were recently reduced, providing relief to Indian exporters.

However, Washington has indicated that punitive tariffs could return if India resumes large-scale purchases of Russian oil. India has maintained that decisions related to energy imports will be guided by national interest and energy security considerations.

Despite these tensions, both sides have reiterated their commitment to expanding bilateral trade under a mutually agreed framework. India has emphasized that the February 7 joint statement remains the central reference point for advancing the interim agreement.

India’s Emphasis on Shared Understanding

India’s response underscores its position that trade negotiations must reflect mutually agreed language and shared understandings rather than unilateral interpretations. By reaffirming the February 7 joint statement as the basis of negotiations, India signaled continuity in its approach to the interim trade pact.

The revisions to the White House fact sheet, according to India, bring the public documentation into alignment with the discussions held between both governments. As negotiations continue, India has maintained that any final interim trade agreement will be consistent with the framework of “reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade” outlined in the February statement.

For India, the priority remains securing a balanced arrangement that addresses tariff concerns, digital trade issues, and sector-specific sensitivities while expanding bilateral trade opportunities with the United States.