The White House on Thursday revised its fact sheet on the trade agreement with India, dropping references to New Delhi reducing or eliminating duties on “certain pulses” and diluting the language surrounding India’s proposed $500 billion purchases from the United States (US).
The updated fact sheet now states that India “intends” to buy more American goods and purchase over $500 billion worth of US energy, information and communication technology, coal and other products. This marks a shift from the earlier version released a day earlier, which characterised the proposed purchases as a commitment. The revised wording brings the document into line with Saturday’s joint statement issued by the two governments.
‘Pulses’ reference removed
The earlier inclusion of “certain pulses” in the fact sheet had sparked unease among farmers, who feared their interests might be undermined by the agreement.
Pulses were absent from the list of items mentioned in the joint statement outlining the interim framework.
The previous fact sheet did not specify which varieties of pulses were under discussion.
Washington has been pushing for lentils and yellow peas to be granted zero-duty access to India. India currently levies a 10 per cent duty on lentils, making them a likely subject of negotiation.
Digital trade language softened
The earlier fact sheet had also asserted that India committed to negotiating bilateral digital trade rules under the interim agreement, including provisions preventing the imposition of Customs duties on e-commerce electronic transmissions. It further claimed that India would scrap its digital services tax.
In contrast, the revised document adopts more measured phrasing, stating that “India will address non-tariff barriers that affect bilateral trade in priority areas”. It adds that the US and India will negotiate rules of origin to ensure that the agreed benefits accrue predominantly to the two countries.
Trade experts noted that the fact sheet represents the US administration’s perspective and does not carry legal force. They emphasised that the joint statement should be regarded as the official version of the trade understanding.
Agneshwar Sen, trade policy leader at EY India, said the White House fact sheet, aimed primarily at a US audience, translates the messaging of the joint statement into a more business-focused signal on market access, regulatory cooperation and supply chain alignment.
“For industry, the emphasis on tariff rationalisation across select industrial products and sectors, expanded agricultural access, and collaboration in technology, energy and digital trade points to incremental yet tangible commercial openings. This is clearly more targeted than a sweeping free-trade agreement,” Sen said.
“Equally significant is the acknowledgement that several provisions remain under negotiation, indicating a phased approach that allows companies to prepare without assuming immediate structural change,” he added. Sen said the document highlights policy direction and strategic intent, offering businesses early visibility on potential opportunities while reinforcing India-US economic convergence.
