The long-pending US-India trade deal discussions may face another major hurdle, as a new disagreement over pulses (dal) is now coming into focus. In a letter to US President Donald Trump, two US senators urged him to press India to lift the “unfair” 30% import tax on US pulses, particularly yellow peas.
The issue has quickly become a sensitive point in the already complicated trade negotiations between the two countries. While India remains one of the world’s biggest markets for pulses, American farmers and lawmakers are demanding greater access to sell their produce in the Indian market without heavy tariffs.
Dal Becomes the New Flashpoint in US-India Trade Negotiations
According to the details shared in the extracts, pulses may soon become the next major issue affecting the US-India trade relationship. While major trade topics often involve technology, manufacturing, or defense-related partnerships, this time the focus is on something closer to everyday life dal.
Pulses are a critical part of Indian meals and a key source of protein for millions. Because of this, the dal market is both politically and economically sensitive in India. Any policy change related to pulse imports can impact:
- Farmers
- Consumer prices
- Food security
- Inflation control
- Domestic agricultural production
This makes the tariff issue a difficult one for negotiators.
US Senators Call India’s 30% Duty “Unfair”
In their letter, US Senators Kevin Cramer (North Dakota) and Steve Daines (Montana) reportedly raised concerns about India’s import policies. They specifically flagged the 30% tariff on US yellow peas, calling the duty unfair and urging the US administration to take it up strongly.
The senators wrote that the duty was imposed on October 30 last year, and came into effect from November 1.
They also argued that if India continues to keep tariffs high on American pulse crops, it would limit the ability of US farmers to compete in the Indian market despite India being a massive consumer of pulses.
India’s Tariff Move ‘Quietly Implemented,’ Report Says
One interesting point highlighted in the report is that the decision by India was not widely discussed publicly and may have escaped major media attention.
The extracts suggest that the tariff move went largely unnoticed and was not heavily publicised by the government, reflecting a careful approach by India during a time when trade relations are under pressure.
This “silent” tariff adjustment is being viewed by many as a strategic balancing act protecting domestic interests while avoiding a loud public trade fight.
Was This a Retaliation Against US Tariffs?
The report indicates that India’s move is widely seen as a response to earlier trade actions by the US.
It states that the ruling is being seen as a reprisal for President Trump’s 50% tariffs from the previous year. While official confirmation is not highlighted in the extract, observers believe India may have raised the pulses duty as a counter-measure.
Geopolitical author and expert Navroop Singh reportedly commented that India retaliated by raising tariffs on imported pulses to 30%, and that the response appeared to be “silent.”
If this interpretation is correct, it suggests the trade relationship may be entering a more complex phase, where agricultural products become bargaining tools in broader negotiations.
Why North Dakota and Montana Are Concerned About Pulses Exports
The senators pushing this issue belong to agricultural states with strong pulse production.
The letter reportedly stressed that the issue is significant for states such as:
- North Dakota
- Montana
These states are among the leading producers of peas and pulses in the US. A large market like India is extremely valuable for American growers, especially when global demand and export competition continues to rise.
If Indian import duties remain high, US farmers could struggle to expand exports, leading to pressure from farm groups and local economies that depend on agricultural trade.
India is the World’s Largest Pulses Consumer
One major reason this issue matters so much is India’s position in global food consumption.
The extracts state that India is the world’s largest consumer of pulses, accounting for about 27% of global consumption.
That is a huge share, and it means any policy change in India whether it increases or limits imports can influence global pricing trends and export strategies for many countries.
The senators also reportedly highlighted that some of the most commonly consumed pulse crops in India include:
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Dried beans
- Peas
Despite the high demand, they argue that India maintains substantial tariffs on US-grown pulse crops.
Senators Want Better Market Access Before Any Trade Deal
In their message to President Trump, the senators reportedly urged the US administration to secure better market access for American pulses and lentils as part of any future trade agreement with India.
In simple terms, they want the pulses issue treated as a priority topic and not ignored during negotiations.
For US leaders, such pressure often becomes important politically especially in states where agriculture forms a major part of the economy.
This Pulses Dispute Has a History: Letter Also Written During Trump’s First Term
The extracts also reveal that this is not the first time US lawmakers have raised this issue.
The senators reportedly mentioned that they had written about the same topic during Trump’s first term as well. During the 2020 trade negotiations, President Trump had allegedly “hand-delivered” a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which helped bring American producers to the negotiating table.
This shows the issue is long-standing and has remained unresolved for years, becoming a repeated topic in trade discussions.
The 2020 Trump India Visit and ‘Namaste Trump’ Moment
The extracts also reference President Trump’s visit to India in 2020, when he attended the “Namaste Trump” event in Ahmedabad.
That visit was widely viewed as a strong public show of warmth and friendship between Trump and PM Modi. The event became a major platform showcasing camaraderie and cooperation between the two countries.
However, even with positive political messaging, trade tensions including agriculture-related disputes have continued to surface from time to time.
Why This Could Complicate the US-India Trade Deal Further
Trade agreements are built on compromise, but agriculture is always a sensitive topic because it directly impacts everyday people, farmers, and national policy priorities.
This pulses issue could complicate talks because:
For the US
- Farmers want a huge market like India
- Senators face local pressure from agricultural communities
- US wants fairer import rules and reduced tariffs
For India
- Dal prices are politically sensitive
- Protecting Indian farmers is a major priority
- Import duties can be used to control domestic supply and price stability
Even if both sides want a deal, these competing interests can slow negotiations and create fresh friction at the table.
Key Points to Watch
With US lawmakers now publicly urging President Trump to push India on the pulses tariff issue, the next steps in the trade process could become crucial.
Here’s what may happen next:
- The US may formally raise the issue in trade talks
- India could defend the tariff as domestic policy protection
- Both sides could negotiate partial reduction or quotas
- Pulses may become part of a larger “give-and-take” package deal
Whether a final agreement happens soon or is delayed again will depend on how both governments handle this growing disagreement.
Dal Tariffs Add a New Twist to a Delicate Relationship
The latest development shows that even everyday food items like dal and pulses can carry major geopolitical importance. The demand by US Senators Kevin Cramer and Steve Daines for India to remove a 30% import duty on US pulses has added fresh pressure on President Donald Trump and the ongoing trade negotiations with India.
With India being the world’s largest consumer of pulses and the US eager to secure better market access for its farmers, the issue is likely to remain in discussion for weeks ahead.
As trade talks continue, the pulses dispute may become a deciding factor either leading to a new compromise or adding yet another delay to the long-pending US-India trade deal.
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