Pulses have emerged as a fresh point of friction in ongoing India–US trade discussions, with both sides holding firm on market access, domestic support policies and food security concerns. The issue has gained prominence as negotiators seek progress on a broader trade agenda amid persistent disagreements in agriculture.
At the heart of the dispute are India’s import controls on pulses, including tariffs, quantitative restrictions and safeguard measures, which New Delhi argues are essential to protect millions of small farmers and ensure stable domestic prices. Pulses are a politically sensitive commodity in India, playing a crucial role in food security and rural livelihoods. The government maintains that sudden surges in low-priced imports can depress farmgate prices and undermine domestic production.
The United States, one of the world’s major exporters of pulses such as lentils, chickpeas and dry peas, has been pressing India to provide more predictable and liberal market access. US exporters have raised concerns over frequent policy changes, import curbs and non-tariff barriers, arguing that these measures disrupt trade flows and limit export opportunities despite strong demand in the Indian market.
Trade experts say the disagreement over pulses reflects a broader structural divide between the two countries. While the US is seeking greater access for its farm products under rules-based trade, India remains cautious about opening up its agricultural sector, citing the vulnerability of its farming community and the need to balance consumer inflation with farmer incomes.
The issue is expected to feature prominently in upcoming bilateral engagements, alongside other sensitive areas such as dairy products, genetically modified crops and digital trade. Possible next steps could include technical-level discussions to improve transparency in India’s import policy, explore long-term supply arrangements, or consider tariff-rate quotas that balance market access with domestic safeguards.
However, analysts caution that a quick resolution is unlikely. With pulses closely tied to domestic politics in India and export interests in the US, negotiators may opt for incremental solutions rather than sweeping concessions, keeping pulses as a lingering flashpoint in India–US trade relations.
