Two US senators from North Dakota and Montana have urged former President Donald Trump to intervene in the ongoing trade issue with India after New Delhi imposed a 30% tariff on yellow peas imported from the United States. The tariff came into effect on November 1, 2025, and has significantly affected pulse farmers in the two American states, which are the largest producers of pulse crops in the US.

In a letter dated January 16, senators Kevin Cramer and Steve Daines requested President Trump to negotiate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to protect the interests of US pulse farmers. In the letter, they asked the former president to “push for favourable pulse crop provisions in any agreement that the US government signs with India.”

The senators highlighted the importance of India as a major market for pulses. The letter stated, “North Dakota and Montana are the top two producers of pulse crops, and India is the world’s largest consumer of these crops, accounting for over 27% of all pulses consumed in the world.” They further explained how the new tariff has hurt American farmers, saying, “India announced on October 30 that it will impose 30% tariff on yellow peas imported from the US. The tariff went into effect on November 1, and it has meant a competitive disadvantage for farmers in North Dakota and Montana.”

Cramer and Daines also pointed out that earlier relief measures had benefited US exporters, but those gains have now been reversed. According to the letter, in 2023, India provided some tariff relief on US pulses. However, the senators noted that recent tariff actions have “nullified that advantage,” and India’s latest move is now directly impacting American farmers who depend on exports to India.

The letter specifically requested Trump to raise the issue with Prime Minister Modi so that US pulse farmers could regain their competitive position in the Indian market. The senators stressed that trade discussions with India should include clear provisions for pulse crops, given the scale of consumption in India and the dependence of US farmers on this export destination.

India’s decision to impose the 30% tariff is being seen as a retaliatory move. The tariff on US yellow peas followed a 50% tariff imposed by Donald Trump on Indian goods in August 2025. That earlier US tariff was linked to India’s continued import of Russian oil. In this context, India’s November 1 tariff appears to be a direct response to the US action.

Interestingly, India’s retaliatory tariff on US peas did not receive much attention in the domestic media at the time it was announced. However, the letter written by the two senators has now gone viral on social media, bringing renewed focus on the issue. The development has sparked discussions on how India is standing firm in trade negotiations and responding to what it sees as unfair tariffs imposed by the US.

Another recent development has also drawn attention to India’s strategic economic decisions. Reports indicate that India has reduced its holdings of US Treasury bonds by over USD 50.7 billion, marking a significant shift after years of increasing investments.

Despite these tensions, US-India trade ties remain strong. Bilateral trade between the two countries recorded a 22% year-on-year increase in November 2025. However, both sides have yet to finalise a comprehensive trade agreement, suggesting that tough negotiations are still ongoing.