India and the US are negotiating a multi-sector bilateral trade agreement and as a part of the negotiations, both sides are discussing liberalisation of trade in goods, including non-sensitive agricultural products, Parliament was informed on Tuesday.
The government is engaged with all relevant stakeholders including agriculture, farming experts, to assess the interests and requirements of India’s rural economy, farmers and agricultural sector, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
“India and the USA are negotiating a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). As a part of negotiations, among other things, both sides are engaged in discussions on liberalization of trade in goods, including non-sensitive agricultural products, with the aim to expand trade and deepen the India-US trade relationship,” he said. He added that the government is committed to taking all necessary steps to secure and advance the country’s national interest and protect the welfare of our farmers, rural economy and agriculture sector.
