India’s Interest Comes First, Not Deadlines – Piyush Goyal on India-US Trade Deal
New Delhi, July 5, 2025:
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, has firmly stated that India’s national interest will not be compromised for the sake of meeting arbitrary deadlines or external pressure regarding international trade agreements. His remarks come amid growing expectations of a major trade deal between India and the United States.
Earlier, former US President Donald Trump had said that a “very big trade deal” with India would be signed soon. Responding to this, Minister Goyal clarified that any such trade pact must be mutually acceptable and, more importantly, must safeguard India’s core interests—including the welfare of farmers, small businesses, and domestic industries.
“We are not guided by deadlines or pressured timelines,” Goyal said.
“Our priority is a trade agreement that supports India’s growth, protects our industries, and brings long-term benefits to our people.”
The minister emphasized that India is open to negotiations and is prepared to engage with developed nations, including the US, but only when agreements are crafted with mutual respect and shared benefits. He added that trade deals should not be rushed merely to satisfy political announcements or artificial urgency.
“We will only sign a deal that reflects equity, fairness, and reciprocity,” he noted.
“India is not against free trade, but it must be fair trade.”
Piyush Goyal further said that India’s approach is principled and pragmatic. While the country seeks global integration and economic growth, it will not do so at the cost of strategic autonomy or domestic vulnerability. He stressed that mutually beneficial partnerships are the only path to sustainable trade relations.
India, he noted, will pursue high-quality agreements where both sides see value, and where provisions are not skewed against Indian producers or workers. “We’re willing to wait for the right deal rather than settle for a hurried one,” he reiterated.
The Minister also commented that India continues to engage with several global trade partners and is ready to sign meaningful agreements, provided they are balanced, transparent, and beneficial to all involved. Trade for India, he said, is not just about economic numbers—it’s about development, dignity, and national interest.
Summary:
Minister Piyush Goyal’s statements underline India’s steadfast commitment to protect its economic sovereignty. While welcoming trade and cooperation, India insists on agreements that are fair, well-negotiated, and focused on long-term national gains rather than short-term diplomatic optics.
This marks a significant stand in India’s evolving trade diplomacy, signaling that strategic patience and national welfare will guide India’s global economic partnerships—not deadlines, nor pressure.
