Lok Sabha Question No. 3486 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Agreement with the United States
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Vijayakumar Alias Vijay Vasanth

## 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

negotiations,   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

bilateral 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.

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