US amends deal document, dropping pulses, softening purchase language and revising claims on digital taxes.
The White House has quietly revised its fact sheet on the India–US trade framework within hours of its release, after India flagged inaccuracies and unagreed language in the original document. The changes were reflected in the updated version published on February 10, 2026, a day after the initial release on February 9.
Key revisions and facts:
- Pulses removed from tariff list:
- The updated fact sheet deletes “certain pulses” from the list of agricultural products on which India was said to have agreed to reduce or eliminate tariffs.
- Pulses are a politically sensitive sector for India, the world’s largest producer and consumer of lentils, chickpeas and dry beans.
- Digital services tax claim withdrawn:
- The original statement that India would “remove its digital services taxes” has been removed.
- The revised document now states that India has **“committed to negotiate” digital trade rules.
- India had already abolished the 6% equalisation levy on digital advertising services from April 1, 2025, under the Finance Bill 2025.
- $500 billion purchase language softened:
- The wording has been changed from India “committed to buy” to “intends to buy”.
- The term “agricultural” has been removed from the product purchase list.
- Scope of intended purchases clarified:
- India intends to purchase $500 billion worth of US products over five years, including:
- Energy products
- Aircraft and aircraft parts
- Precious metals
- Technology products
- Coking coal
- India intends to purchase $500 billion worth of US products over five years, including:
- Technology cooperation highlighted:
- The revised fact sheet emphasises plans to expand trade in technology products, including graphics processing units (GPUs) and data-centre-related equipment, and deepen joint technology cooperation.
- Reason for revisions:
- Changes were made after New Delhi flagged inadvertent inclusions and language not agreed upon during negotiations.
- No US response yet:
- The White House has not issued an official comment on the revisions.
The swift edits have underlined differences in interpretation between the two sides and raised questions about the final shape and commitments under the much-touted India–US trade framework.
Source: HT
