India

Bilateral trade reached $129 billion in 2024, with India enjoying a surplus. US agricultural imports from India rose, but concerns persist over subsidised US products undercutting Indian farmers. Agriculture employs about 42 per cent of India’s population, making it politically explosive – as seen in the 2021 farm law protests.

Farm organisations have already begun voicing strong opposition. Some groups have called for nationwide protests.

With the right policy signals and investments, reducing air pollution could become one of the most powerful levers for inclusive prosperity in the coming decade.

Uttarakhand’s vocational push, with its emphasis on hands-on learning, could serve as a counterbalance by promoting offline skills and real-world engagement, helping mitigate these risks while preparing students for a digital-yet-balanced future.

The tariff reduction, confirmed by US President Donald Trump following talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, effectively withdraws additional duties that had pushed levies on some Indian exports as high as 50 per cent.

The allocations promote regional stability, trade, and security, with India positioning itself as a reliable partner amid global uncertainties.

Anchored in the government’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, the budget is structured around three overarching “kartavyas” or duties: accelerating economic growth, building people’s capacities, and ensuring inclusive access to resources for all families, communities and regions.

The opposition’s chorus underscores a deepening divide, with calls for parliamentary scrutiny and course correction. As debates unfold, the budget’s fate may hinge on addressing these critiques amid electoral pressures.