<h1>India Rejects US Demands for Duty Cuts on Agriculture and Dairy, Protects Farmers' Interests</h1> The Indian government has firmly rejected demands from the United States for duty concessions on agricultural and dairy products in their ongoing bilateral trade agreement negotiations. The government emphasized its commitment to protecting the interests of farmers, livestock rearers, and fishermen, refusing to compromise on policies affecting these groups. This stance comes amid the US imposing increased tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian goods, effective August 27, following an existing 25 percent tariff. India highlighted that it has not granted duty concessions to any trading partners in previous agreements, including Australia and Switzerland, and maintains opposition to US requests for reduced tariffs on products such as corn, soybeans, apples, almonds, ethanol, and expanded access for dairy imports.