New Delhi, Feb. 9 -- New Delhi: As India and the US approach the bilateral trade agreement, the import commitments are key to its domestic impact. Since most imports are capital-intensive and strategic, experts believe the deal will avoid pressuring India's labour-intensive sectors, even as trade increases.

India plans to import about $500 billion worth of goods from the US over the next five years. Both sides aim to boost bilateral trade to $500 billion from the current $132 billion, which includes $86.5 billion in exports and $45.6 billion in imports in FY25, as per the joint statement on 7 February.

India's labour-intensive sectors, including textiles, gems, leather, marine products, rice, fruits, vegetables, and plantation exports l...