New Delhi, India: Montana, the leading producer of pulse crops in the United States, is seeking improved access to the Indian market, the world’s largest consumer of pulses such as lentils, peas, and chickpeas.

Steve Daines, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, visited India from January 17 to 19 to advocate for better market access for Montana’s pulse crop farmers and to reinforce the strategic partnership between the two countries, according to a statement from his office.

During his visit to New Delhi, Daines met senior government officials, members of Parliament, and business leaders to discuss trade, defense cooperation, and supply chain security. He emphasized the importance of fair treatment for US agricultural exports in future bilateral trade agreements.

“I came to India to reaffirm our two countries’ shared values and strategic partnership and to advocate on behalf of Montana’s pulse crop farmers,” Daines said. He added that he appreciated Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal for hearing the concerns of American farmers and stated that he would continue working with Donald Trump on this issue.

Trade remained a central focus of the discussions, with Daines urging Indian officials to support favorable terms for US pulse crops as negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement continue. He also pressed for faster progress in ongoing talks between Washington and New Delhi.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said the visit underscored the importance of regular high-level engagement between the two nations. He noted that the meetings played a key role in strengthening bilateral ties across trade, defense, and critical supply chains.

The visit comes as the United States and India continue to expand cooperation in defense, technology, and commerce, even as both sides navigate longstanding differences over tariffs and agricultural market access. Agriculture remains a sensitive issue in US-India trade relations, with each country balancing export ambitions and domestic interests.