India won’t sign trade deals that hurt national interests: Piyush Goyal
New Delhi: Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has made a firm statement that India will not sign any trade agreement that compromises its national interests. His remarks come amid heightened discussions over India’s proposed trade deals with the United States and other global partners.
Speaking at the Berlin Global Dialogue during his official visit to Germany, Goyal said, “India will not sign any trade deal in haste or accept conditions that restrict its choices. We will not agree to any agreement with a gun held to our head.” He emphasized that India’s trade policy is guided by a long-term vision rooted in trust and national priorities rather than short-term pressures or external demands.
“Trade agreements are not just about tariffs or market access; they are about building sustainable, trust-based frameworks for global cooperation,” Goyal noted. “It’s about creating relationships, not just lowering duties. India is exploring new markets to counter high tariff barriers.”
Responding to questions about whether India is negotiating fair trade terms, Goyal reiterated, “India has never decided its friendships based on any consideration other than national interest. No one can tell us we can’t be friends with Europe or that we shouldn’t work with Kenya. Such ideas are unacceptable.”
India is currently in advanced negotiations with the European Union on a long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with key differences remaining on market access, environmental standards, and rules of origin. Talks with the United States are also ongoing, particularly regarding tariff structures—America currently imposes duties of up to 50% on several Indian exports.
Goyal’s comments underscore New Delhi’s growing assertiveness in international trade diplomacy. As India seeks to position itself as a resilient and self-reliant global economy, the government is making clear that it will only enter into trade partnerships that align with long-term strategic and economic goals.
