New Delhi: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday strongly defended the newly concluded India–United States trade agreement, describing it as one of the most advantageous global trade arrangements India has secured in recent years. Rejecting criticism from the Opposition, Goyal said the deal reflects India’s growing economic strength and firm negotiating position on the world stage.
According to the minister, the agreement sets a target of expanding bilateral trade to USD 500 billion, while significantly reducing tariff pressure on Indian exports. Under the arrangement, the United States has agreed to lower reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent, down from the earlier 25 per cent. Goyal said this reduction would directly benefit Indian manufacturers, exporters and small businesses by improving their competitiveness in the American market.
Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Goyal stated that India succeeded in safeguarding its core national interests, particularly in sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy. He emphasised that these areas, which are closely linked to farmers’ livelihoods, were kept protected during negotiations, countering claims that Indian farmers had been compromised.
The Commerce Minister also pointed to the strong diplomatic rapport between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump, saying that mutual trust and direct engagement at the leadership level helped India secure favourable terms. “India today negotiates as an equal partner, not from a position of weakness,” Goyal remarked.
However, the minister expressed disappointment over disruptions in Parliament, stating that he was keen to place the full details of the trade agreement before lawmakers. He alleged that continuous disruptions prevented a constructive discussion and accused Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of creating chaos instead of engaging in debate.
Taking sharp aim at Gandhi, Goyal said the Congress leader was spreading misinformation about the trade pact and attempting to undermine India’s economic progress. “Misleading narratives may grab headlines, but they do not change facts,” he said, adding that India’s growth trajectory and rising global influence were evident for all to see.
Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had alleged that the government bowed to pressure from Washington and rushed into finalising the agreement, claiming it weakened India’s negotiating stance and hurt farmers’ interests. The government has firmly denied these charges, asserting that the deal was carefully structured after extensive consultations.
