A group of senior US lawmakers has urged the Trump Administration to push for the elimination of India’s 11 per cent tariff on American cotton, calling it a “critical moment” for US farmers as Washington and New Delhi negotiate an interim trade agreement. House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington led the letter to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, saying the ongoing talks present a major opening for American agriculture.

“As you finalize the details of this Interim Agreement and any subsequent agreements with India, we urge you to negotiate a permanent reduction or elimination of India’s trade barriers to American cotton exports,” the lawmakers wrote. “This is a critical moment for American cotton farmers.” The letter, dated February 25 and released on Monday, highlights that India maintains an 11 per cent tariff on raw cotton imports, which lawmakers describe as a significant barrier for US producers.