Washington, D.C. | January 17, 2026

As global leaders continue to seek tariff relief from former US President Donald Trump, two American senators have taken a different stand, urging him to press India for easing its import duties. Republican Senators Steve Daines of Montana and Kevin Cramer of North Dakota have asked Trump to raise the issue of high Indian tariffs on US pulse crops during ongoing trade discussions with New Delhi.

In a letter addressed to Trump, the senators highlighted that Montana and North Dakota are the largest producers of pulse crops in the United States, while India is the world’s biggest consumer, accounting for nearly 27 per cent of global intake. They expressed concern over India’s decision to impose a 30 per cent import duty on yellow peas from the US, which came into effect in November 2025. According to them, these tariffs have put American farmers at a serious disadvantage in the Indian market.

The lawmakers described the Indian duties as “unfair” and urged Trump to personally discuss the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They argued that lowering tariffs would benefit both US farmers and Indian consumers, especially as the US looks to correct trade imbalances. Their appeal comes even as a 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports to the US remains in force, part of which was imposed as a penalty over India’s oil trade with Russia.

India, however, has defended its decision, stating that the tariffs were introduced to protect domestic farmers from cheap imports that were pushing down local prices. While yellow peas were earlier allowed duty-free entry until March 2026, the policy was changed following pressure from Indian farmers. Meanwhile, despite claims of stalled talks, both India and the US have maintained that they remain open to reaching a mutually beneficial trade agreement.

 US Senators Urge Trump to Ask India to Cut Tariffs on Pulse Imports

Two US senators have urged former President Donald Trump to take up the issue of high Indian tariffs on American pulse crops as trade talks between India and the US continue. Senators Steve Daines from Montana and Kevin Cramer from North Dakota said the current duties are hurting US farmers and limiting access to a major global market.

In a letter to Trump, the lawmakers pointed out that their states are among the biggest producers of pulse crops in the US, while India is the world’s largest consumer. They expressed concern over India’s decision to impose a 30 per cent import duty on yellow peas from the US, which came into force in November 2025.

The senators said these tariffs have put American farmers at a competitive disadvantage and described the move as unfair. They urged Trump to directly discuss the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying lower duties would benefit US producers and Indian consumers alike.

The request comes even as a 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports to the US remains in place. While India says the higher duty on pulses was introduced to protect local farmers from cheap imports, both countries have maintained that they are still open to reaching a balanced and mutually beneficial trade deal.