Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday strongly denied a Reuters report that claimed India had refused to move ahead with a fast-track trade agreement with the United States, insisting that negotiations between the two countries continue in a constructive and positive manner.
The minister described the report as inaccurate and reiterated that both New Delhi and Washington remain committed to reaching a balanced trade pact that benefits both economies.
Goyal Calls Report ‘False, Baseless and Misleading’
Responding to the Reuters report, Goyal said the claims did not reflect the actual status of the negotiations. Referring to his discussions with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during the latter’s June visit to New Delhi, the minister said the meetings were highly productive and reaffirmed the shared objective of concluding a commercially meaningful agreement.”This news is completely false, baseless and misleading. I had fantastic meetings with USTR Jamieson Greer, @USTradeRep, when he visited Delhi in June. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to an agreement that is balanced, commercially meaningful, and delivers tangible benefits for businesses, farmers, workers, and consumers in both countries. Our teams remain fully engaged in achieving this objective,” Goyal posted on X.
According to the minister, officials from both countries are actively engaged in negotiations to finalise an agreement that creates opportunities for businesses while protecting the interests of workers, farmers and consumers.
Commerce Secretary Says Framework Is Ready
Backing the minister’s remarks, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the framework for the proposed India-US trade agreement has already been prepared and is ready to be signed once both governments decide the timing is appropriate.
He said the proposed agreement has been designed to ensure India receives competitive advantages while maintaining fair trade conditions compared with other global trading partners.
Energy Trade and Bilateral Cooperation Expand
Agrawal also highlighted that India has been increasing energy imports from the United States as part of efforts to diversify its energy sources and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.
He maintained that there are no major disagreements affecting the negotiations and that officials on both sides clearly understand each other’s priorities and expectations.
According to him, discussions are progressing steadily without any significant obstacles.
India Reaffirms Commitment to Trade Pact
The comments from Goyal and Agrawal contradict the Reuters report, which suggested India was reluctant to conclude a fast-track agreement due to domestic economic considerations and geopolitical factors.
Indian officials, however, maintained that the negotiations remain constructive and focused on achieving a balanced outcome that supports bilateral trade, economic growth and stronger strategic ties between the world’s two largest democracies.
Both sides continue to work towards an agreement aimed at delivering long-term benefits across multiple sectors while ensuring that the interests of stakeholders in both countries are protected.
Why did Piyush Goyal reject the Reuters report?
Piyush Goyal said the Reuters report claiming India had rejected a fast-track trade deal with the US was “false, baseless and misleading.”
What did Piyush Goyal say about the India-US trade talks?
He said discussions with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer were productive and both countries remain committed to concluding a balanced and commercially beneficial agreement.
What did Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal say?
Rajesh Agrawal said the framework for the trade agreement is ready and can be signed when both sides decide the timing is appropriate.
Is India increasing trade with the United States?
Yes. According to the Commerce Secretary, India is expanding energy imports from the US while strengthening overall bilateral trade ties.
Has the India-US trade agreement been signed?
No. Indian officials said negotiations are continuing positively, but the agreement has not yet been formally signed.
