Key facts
- India's trade minister Piyush Goyal assured that a trade deal with the US will not compromise farmers' interests.
- The deal is nearing finalization, with criticism from farm groups fearing market access for US agricultural products.
- High tariffs on products like maize, almonds, apples and soybean oil may be reduced.
- Farm groups plan further protests in November.
India's trade minister Piyush Goyal stated on Thursday that the country will not compromise the interests of its farmers or stakeholders in a trade deal with the US. New Delhi is close to finalizing the first phase of the agreement, despite criticism from some Indian farm groups who fear the deal is rushed and will grant market access to American agricultural products. Goyal expressed confidence that the public would celebrate the deal once details are released, asserting that no sensitive interests of farmers or stakeholders have been compromised. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, a coalition of over 100 farm groups, has voiced concerns that the deal would eliminate high tariffs on products like maize, almonds, apples, and soybean oil, potentially harming domestic prices and rural incomes. The union plans further demonstrations in November to protest the agreement.