New Delhi, March 24 -- An Indian dietary staple has taken centrestage in India-US trade negotiations amid a new 10% import duty on pulses imposed by New Delhi.

The US is seeking a separate harmonized system of nomenclature (HSN) code for the yellow lentils that it exports to India, according to two officials aware of the developments in the ongoing bilateral trade agreement negotiations between the two nations.

India on 8 March introduced a 10% import duty on lentils (primarily masoor dal, which are red), while extending a zero-rate on yellow peas till 31 May. Yellow lentils resemble yellow peas but are a different variety of legumes.

"Currently, all lentil imports, regardless of colour or country of origin, are recorded under a single...