India not to negotiate Trade Deals under time line or pressure: Piyush Goyal
By R Anil Kumar
Bangalore, July 5. Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has made it clear that India will only sign a trade agreement with the US if it is mutually beneficial and fully aligns with India’s national interests regardless of any external deadlines, such as the July 9, date set by the US administration for the expiration of extended tariffs.
Goyal emphasized that India does not negotiate or conclude trade deals based on timelines or pressure, but rather on the merits of the agreement and its benefits, mutually.
Stating that the National Interest is paramount and would not be compromised at any cost, Goyal said India will accept the trade deal only when it is “good and fully matured and in the National Interest.”
India never makes a trade deal based on deadlines and will never rush into any agreement under pressure, he added.
Talks with the US are in the final phase, with some issues, particularly-in the agriculture and auto-sector still unresolved and the announcement could come before July 9, deadline, but only if the deal fulfills India criteria, he clarified.
On India’s stance, the Minister said India is seeking relief from the additional 26% US tariffs and better market access for its exports, while resisting pressure to open sensitive sectors like dairy and agriculture.
Goyal said that there was no plans of any Indian delegation going to Washington for any further talks.
