Seeking to silence growing skepticism over the specifics of the newly minted India-US Trade Deal, the White House released an official factsheet on February 10, 2026. The move follows intense questioning from global economists and opposition leaders regarding the “zero tariff” claims and the status of India’s energy ties with Russia.
The deal, signed between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been under fire for a perceived lack of transparency since its initial announcement.
Clarifying the “Zero Tariff” Claim
One of the most contentious points of the deal has been the narrative of a completely “duty-free” trade corridor.
- The Reality: The factsheet clarifies that “zero tariffs” apply primarily to specific high-technology sectors, including semiconductors, green energy components, and certain agricultural exports.
- Phased Reduction: For other sectors, the document outlines a 5-to-10-year glide path for tariff reductions rather than an immediate wipeout.
- The “Trap Deal” Accusation: In India, the opposition had labeled it a “Trap Deal,” claiming it would flood Indian markets with US dairy and poultry. The factsheet attempts to mitigate this by highlighting “reciprocal safeguards” for small-scale Indian farmers.
The Russian Oil Conundrum
The most sensitive geopolitical aspect of the deal involves India’s massive imports of Russian crude oil.
- The “Halting” Clause: The factsheet confirms that India has agreed to a “strategic diversion”—gradually reducing its reliance on Russian Ural grades in exchange for long-term, fixed-price US LNG and crude contracts.
- Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR): The US has reportedly offered India access to its SPR technology and supply chains to ensure energy security during this transition phase.
Key Highlights of the Factsheet
| Feature | Factsheet Detail |
| Tariffs | Immediate zero-duty on AI chips and EV batteries; phased for others. |
| Energy | Roadmap to reduce Russian oil dependency by 30% by 2028. |
| Visa Reforms | Streamlined H-1B and L-1 processing for “Trade Partner” entities. |
| Defense | Joint production of jet engines and long-range munitions in India. |
In Other News: Coffee for the Brain?
While the world watches the trade deal, a massive 37-year study published in JAMA Network has brought good news to coffee lovers.
- The Finding: Moderate caffeine intake—roughly two cups a day—is linked to a significantly reduced risk of dementia.
- Caffeine is Key: Interestingly, the protective effect was not found in decaf drinkers, suggesting that caffeine itself is the primary neuroprotective agent.