Did India Quietly Hit Back at Trump by Taxing US Pulses?

India may have quietly pushed back against the United States in the ongoing trade standoff by imposing a 30% import tariff on US pulses, a move that has now drawn attention from American lawmakers. The issue surfaced after two US senators urged President Donald Trump to intervene and pressure India to roll back what they described as “unfair” duties on American agricultural exports.

The development comes at a time when the long-pending India–US trade agreement remains stalled, with agriculture emerging as a sensitive flashpoint. Pulses, a dietary staple in India and a major export commodity for several US states, are now at the centre of fresh friction between the two countries.

Senators Flag India’s 30% Tariff Move

In a letter dated January 16, US senators Kevin Cramer and Steve Daines highlighted that India imposed a 30% tariff on yellow peas imported from the US on October 30 last year, with the duty coming into effect from November 1. The senators said the measure has put American pulse producers at a serious competitive disadvantage in one of their largest potential markets.

The tariff decision was not publicly highlighted by New Delhi, leading analysts to describe it as a low-profile but deliberate response to the punitive 50% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Indian goods last year. Observers have termed the move a “silent retaliation” that reflects India’s cautious approach to managing strained bilateral ties.

Pulses: A Sensitive Issue for Both Sides

The matter holds particular importance for agricultural states like North Dakota and Montana, which are among the top producers of peas and pulses in the US. India, on the other hand, is the world’s largest consumer of pulses, accounting for nearly 27% of global consumption. Lentils, chickpeas, dried beans, and peas form a core part of the Indian diet, making the sector politically and economically sensitive.

The senators argued that while India consumes large quantities of pulses, it has maintained high tariffs on American produce, limiting access for US farmers. They also pointed out that this issue had surfaced during Trump’s first term, when similar concerns were raised during trade negotiations.

Echoes of the 2020 Trade Talks

During the 2020 trade discussions, the same senators had written to Trump about what they called unfair Indian tariffs after New Delhi was removed from the US Generalised System of Preferences in 2019. Trump later hand-delivered that letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during talks, an episode that coincided with his high-profile India visit and the “Namaste Trump” event in Ahmedabad.

Despite the optics of personal rapport between Modi and Trump, many trade irritants remained unresolved, with agriculture consistently proving to be a tough negotiating area.

Red Lines for New Delhi

Trade experts say the latest pulse tariff reflects India’s firm stance on protecting domestic farmers. Opening up agricultural and dairy markets has long been a red line for New Delhi, especially in the context of electoral politics and rural livelihoods.

Analysts note that India has, in the past, temporarily reduced import duties on certain pulses to control food inflation, particularly ahead of elections. However, they stress that any trade deal perceived to undermine Indian farmers would face strong resistance, regardless of diplomatic pressure.

Trade Talks Face Fresh Hurdles

The pulse tariff episode adds another layer of complexity to already delicate India–US trade negotiations. While Washington is pushing for wider market access, New Delhi appears determined to defend its domestic priorities, even if that means quietly pushing back against US trade actions.

As both sides reassess their positions, pulses—an everyday food item—have emerged as a symbol of the broader strategic and economic balancing act shaping the India–US relationship.