India does not deal at gunpoint, says Union Minister Piyush Goyal on trade talks with America

New Delhi. Amid US President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs on several countries, India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said that talks are on between India and the US for a trade deal. He made it clear that India’s interests will remain paramount and negotiations will not be held under any pressure.

Goyal told reporters, “I have said many times before that we do not deal at gunpoint. Timelines are good because they speed up negotiations, but it is not advisable to rush until we are able to protect the interests of the country and the public.”

This statement of the Union Minister comes after US President Donald Trump announced a ban on reciprocal tariffs imposed on all countries except China. China will now be charged 145 percent duty. 75 countries including India have now got 90 days relief from tariffs.

Goyal said that all trade talks between India and the US are moving forward with the spirit of ‘India First’ and in the direction of ‘Developed India 2047’.

Trade between the two countries will increase to $ 500 billion
India and the US have set a target to finalise the first phase of their trade agreement by the autumn of this year (September–October), and plan to increase bilateral trade from the current $ 191 billion to $ 500 billion by 2030.

India and Washington have agreed to complete negotiations on the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement by the autumn of 2025 after the recent meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump at the White House. On the India-European Union (EU) trade deal, Goyal said that the talks move forward only when both sides are sensitive to each other’s concerns and requirements.

Union Minister Goyal said, “All I can say is that all trade negotiations are progressing well in the spirit of ‘India First’ and towards Developed India 2047. Concrete steps are required to conclude the free trade agreement quickly.”

Negotiations continue with India and the European Union: Jaishankar
On the other hand, commenting on this deal, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that India is making rapid efforts to reach a trade agreement with both the US and the European Union. He also said that Donald Trump’s government has responded promptly to India’s proposals. Jaishankar said, “Within a month of the change in administration, we reached an in-principle agreement that we will do a bilateral trade agreement, and find a solution that works for both sides, because we also have concerns. This process is not indefinite.