Amendment on India-US trade deal: White House removed pulses and digital tax from factsheet

The White House released a revised factsheet on February 10, 2026, for the “historic” interim trade agreement with India announced on February 9, with some key changes, leading to speculation about behind-the-scenes changes or cleanups.

Important changes include:
– **Agro-related tariffs on pulses**: The original factsheet said India would “eliminate or reduce” tariffs on US products, including “certain pulses” (along with dried distillers grains, red sorghum, tree nuts, fresh/processed fruits, soybean oil, wine and spirits). In the updated version, “certain pulses” have been removed entirely, and the list remains “dried distillers grains (DDGs), red sorghum, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruits, soybean oil, wine and spirits, and other products.” Pulses remain sensitive in India, the world’s top producer/consumer, and the omission perhaps reflects New Delhi’s insistence on protecting local farmers amid domestic opposition.

– **$500 billion purchase plan**: The initial text claimed that India has “committed” to buying more than $500 billion in US energy, information/communication technology, coal and other products over five years. The change changes it to “an intention to buy more American products and more than $500 billion in energy, ICT, coal and other products”—which matches the non-binding joint statement of February 7, which described it as aspirational rather than definitive.

– **Digital Services Tax**: Originally said India would “remove its digital services tax” while committing to negotiating stronger bilateral digital trade rules. This claim has been removed; The updated text only says that India “commits to negotiate” on rules that eliminate discriminatory practices and barriers.

Key points remain: India has eliminated/reduced tariffs on most US industrial goods and certain agricultural goods; US has reduced mutual tariffs on Indian goods to 18% (which is from a higher level including removal of 25% penalty imposed on Russia); Increased trade in GPU, data center tech and joint collaboration.

The edits, made quietly within 24 hours, appear to soften the US image amid India’s concerns over farming, energy transition (away from Russian oil), and digital taxation (e.g., Significant Economic Presence rule). No official explanation was given, but they suggest continued improvement in this interim framework toward a full bilateral trade agreement.