New Delhi, Feb 7 (PTI) The India-US Interim Agreement framework will support Indian MSMEs in integrating into global value chains and lower costs for businesses and consumers, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday.

As part of the framework announced last night, both countries will reduce import duties on a number of goods to boost two-way trade.

While the US will reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from the present 50 per cent, India will eliminate or cut down import duties on all US industrial goods and a wide range of American food and agricultural products, including dried distillers' grains, red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, soybean oil, wine and spirits.

According to a joint statement, India has expressed its intention to purchase USD 500 billion of US energy products, aircraft and aircraft parts, precious metals, technology products and coking coal over the next five years.

"India has safeguarded the sensitivities of its agriculture and animal husbandry sectors. The framework protects key farm and dairy products, spices, and staples, strengthening farmer incomes," the office of Sitharaman said in a post on X.

The framework will strengthen India's lead in the digital services sector, it said, adding the joint technology cooperation will position India as a hub for AI, data and digital services. PTI DP MR MR

India US trade framework supports MSME integration, cuts tariffs and opens markets while protecting sensitive agricultural sectors. The India US Interim Agreement framework modifies bilateral market access and duties to support MSME integration and reduce business costs: the US will cut tariffs on specified Indian goods to 18%, India will eliminate or lower duties on a wide range of US industrial and agricultural products, and India intends to purchase USD 500 billion of US goods over five years; the framework preserves safeguards for sensitive agricultural and dairy sectors and includes joint technology cooperation to position India as a hub for AI, data and digital services.