India is actively involved in the discussions on the India-USA Bilateral Trade Agreement which aims at expanding trade and investment and deepening the U.S. - India trade relationship to promote growth that ensures fairness, national security and job creation, especially in labour intensive sector including agricultural products. The ongoing discussions are focussed on how to take an integrated approach to strengthen and deepen bilateral trade by mutually increasing market access, reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, and deepening supply chain integration.

Further, the livelihood interests of our farmers and requirements of food security have always been paramount for the Government while negotiating trade agreements with our international partners including the US.

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri  Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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RC/ KSR/AR

(Release ID: 2152574)