The discussions unfold amid a bilateral trade negotiation framework, set against a backdrop of a 50% US tariff on Indian goods since August, including an extra 25% duty tied to India’s purchases of Russian crude.

Piyush Goyal held talks with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and U.S. Senator Steve Daines to push forward India–US trade talks and advance the prospects of a formal trade agreement.

Ambassador Gor, in his arrival speech, said both sides are actively working to firm up a trade deal, signaling high-level momentum on the negotiations.

Gor, a newly appointed ambassador, is regarded as a key player in the Trump administration’s circle, underscoring elevated attention to trade ties.

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India’s status as the world’s largest consumer of pulses, accounting for roughly 27% of global consumption, adds importance to any pulses-related provisions in a potential agreement.

Context surrounding the talks includes ongoing negotiations and American farm-sector interests, with no finalized agreement or specific concessions announced.

The piece was published on January 19, 2026, aligning with ongoing bilateral trade and strategic discussions.

The outcomes will be closely watched by exporters, farmers, and policymakers in both countries as negotiations continue toward a possible trade deal.

U.S. lawmakers, including Senators Daines and Cramer, urged securing favorable provisions for pulse crops in any India trade deal, citing tariff-related competitive disadvantages for American producers.

Lawmakers argue that tariff barriers hinder American competition in India and call for balanced access for pulses in a future agreement.

These requests highlight sector-specific concerns in the broader India–U.S. trade talks, especially for agricultural products like pulses amid tariff disputes.