Parliament Question: Agreement with the United States

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3486 ANSWERED ON 13/03/2026 AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES

3486. SHRI VIJAYAKUMAR ALIAS VIJAY VASANTH

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has taken note of conflicting public statements issued by different Ministries regarding agreements with the United States, if so, the details thereof and corrective steps taken thereon and if not, the reasons therefor;

(b) whether the issue was discussed with stakeholder/Parliamentarians prior to finalisation of strategic or commercial understandings with the United States, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether any commitments or assurances other than those having prior approval of the Parliament were extended during bilateral 1negotiations, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Ministry has conducted any internal review to examine inconsistencies in official communication relating to such agreements, if so, the findings thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) whether the Government has assessed possible implications of these agreements on domestic manufacturing, employment and MSME sectors and India’s strategic autonomy and national interest, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a) No, there are no conflicting statements made on this subject.

Relevant Ministries have put our information as per their responsibilities. (b to e) On 3 February 2026, the Minister of Commerce and Industry informed Parliament that a framework understanding on 2bilateral trade had been reached between India and the U.S. after extensive discussions. The agreed framework, while ensuring that India’s core sensitivities, particularly in agriculture and dairy, were safeguarded, is expected to enhance India’s export competitiveness, especially in labour-intensive sectors, create opportunities for MSMEs and industry, and expand cooperation in areas such as technology, energy and manufacturing.

On 7 February 2026, India and the United States announced a framework for an Interim Agreement. The framework outlined areas of tariff reductions and market access commitments by both sides, alongside efforts to address non-tariff barriers, improve standards cooperation and strengthen supply chain resilience. Both sides agreed to continue negotiations with the objective of concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial BTA.

Relevant Standing Committees of the Parliament were regularly apprised of the developments relating to the negotiations of the India–U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement.

The Government remains committed to safeguarding India’s national interest. ***** 3