Subsidies are the hidden tariffs. On Feb 6 this interim India US framework was announced, and on Feb 12 SKM is calling a nationwide protest. If the joint statement lowers the crude soyoil duty from about 16.5%, the price signal hits oilseed farmers first, not last. The government says rice, wheat, corn and dairy are excluded, and exporters of basmati, tea, coffee and spices may get duty-free access. That is the counterargument, the kitchen stays protected and the pantry sells more abroad. My rebuttal is simple, markets move on the margin, a few tariff lines and non-tariff barriers can shift volumes faster than any briefing. U.S. farms run on big acreage and heavy support, and India loses yield to weak processing and storage. Call it trade, but if it becomes a one way pipeline, rural incomes will feel the squeeze before the paperwork is public. Release the full product list, tariff schedule and safeguard triggers, or accept that people will assume the worst.