In a subtle but significant shift, the White House has quietly updated a fact sheet detailing the recently announced India-US trade deal, replacing the word "commits" with "intends" in key sections. This change in language, while seemingly minor, has sparked discussions among trade experts and analysts about the strength and certainty of the agreements made between the two countries.

The original fact sheet, released on February 9, 2026, outlined several key terms of the interim agreement, emphasizing India's commitment to eliminate or reduce tariffs on a range of US industrial and agricultural products. These products included items such as dried distillers' grains, red sorghum, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, certain pulses, soybean oil, wine, and spirits. The document also highlighted India's commitment to purchase over $500 billion worth of US energy, information and communication technology, agricultural goods, and coal.

However, the updated version of the fact sheet now states that India "intends" to take these actions, a modification that introduces a degree of uncertainty regarding the actual implementation of these measures. The change in wording suggests a potential softening of the White House's stance on the deal, possibly reflecting ongoing negotiations or remaining points of contention between the two sides.

Despite this subtle change, the core tenets of the proposed trade deal remain intact. The fact sheet continues to emphasize the historic nature of the agreement and its potential to unlock India's vast market of over 1.4 billion people for American goods and services. The agreement also includes provisions for the United States to reduce tariffs on Indian goods from 25 percent to 18 percent, a move taken in recognition of India's commitment to cease purchasing Russian oil.

Furthermore, India has agreed to address non-tariff barriers that have historically impeded trade between the two countries, particularly in priority sectors. This includes the removal of digital services taxes and a commitment to working with the United States to establish robust rules for digital trade. Both countries will also engage in negotiations to determine the rules of origin, ensuring that the benefits of the agreement primarily accrue to the United States and India.

The inclusion of "certain pulses" in the list of American agricultural products that will see tariff reductions or eliminations in India is a notable expansion of the deal's scope, particularly for US farm exports.

While the rewording from "commits" to "intends" introduces a note of caution, the White House maintains that the interim agreement represents a tangible path forward in strengthening the economic partnership between the United States and India. In the coming weeks, both nations will continue working towards finalizing the interim agreement, with the ultimate goal of concluding a mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement that benefits American workers and businesses.