The White House has revised its fact sheet on the India-US Trade Agreement which he had published on February 9. In the updated fact sheet, the White House removed a reference to pulses and changed language about India’s commitment to the $500 billion purchase.

The earlier version of the fact sheet, which highlighted key terms of the deal, said India would eliminate or reduce tariffs on a wide range of US food and agricultural products. “Items listed include dry distillers grains, red sorghum, nuts, fresh and processed fruits, selected pulses, soybean oil, wine and spirits, along with other products,” it said.

However, the updated version of the fact sheet makes no mention of legumes.

In the other change, the text had earlier stated that India was “committed” to a $500 billion purchase from the US, which has now been changed to “intentions”.

Instead of the following text: “India committed to buy more US products and buy more than $500 billion in energy, information and communication technology, agriculture, coal and other products from the US,” the updated version reads: “India intends to buy more US products and buy more than $500 billion in energy, information and communication technology, coal and other products from the US.”

These changes come after Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had denied that India has an obligation to import goods worth US$500 billion. In an interview to news agency ANI, Goyal said the engagement is based on commercial intent and not compulsion. Asked if India must buy $100 billion worth of goods a year for five years, Goyal said: “We don’t have to buy. We intend to,” adding that “there was no such limitation.” He said the figures only reflect India’s growing requirements in sectors where the US can supply competitively.

In addition, opposition leaders had criticized the government and alleged that it had bowed to US pressure and agreed to double imports. At the time, the government had clarified that the $500 billion figure was spread over five years, implying about $100 billion a year.