India-US Trade Deal: Piyush Goyal Sees Positive Signs
Piyush Goyal, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, said on Tuesday that talks for the bilateral trade pact between India and the United States are proceeding constructively, but stressed that a public announcement will only come when the agreement is “fair, equitable and balanced”. He reassured industry and business groups that there is no breakdown in the overall strategic relationship.
Safeguarding Stakeholders
Goyal emphasised that India will protect key domestic interests in the deal, notably the rights of farmers, fishermen and small industries. He underlined that negotiations are not merely about tariff reductions or exports, but about ensuring that all stakeholders are protected and benefit. According to his remarks, six rounds of talks have taken place since March 2025, though no firm timeline was given for the final conclusion of the deal.
Strategic Context and Next Steps
The minister described India’s partnership with the US as enduring and comprehensive, and the trade discussion as part of a broader strategic engagement. He noted that negotiations involve sensitive areas like agricultural access, tariff barriers and small‐industry protections. The commitment to wait for a “fair” deal shows India’s determination to balance external openness with domestic safeguards. The next phase will likely seek concrete commitments and a formal announcement once the conditions are met.
