Piyush Goyal India won’t negotiate under U.S. pressure
Speaking about the ongoing India-U.S. trade talks, Piyush Goyal said discussions are moving forward positively but emphasized that New Delhi will never compromise on its key national interests or rush into any agreement simply to meet deadlines, asserting India’s right to negotiate on equal terms.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday reaffirmed that India will not rush into any trade agreements or act under external pressure, emphasizing that the nation’s economic partnerships must always serve its long-term interests. Speaking at a high-level forum in Berlin, Goyal said that trade deals should be built on trust, mutual respect, and genuine economic benefit, rather than being dictated by arbitrary timelines or external expectations.
“India’s trade decisions are always guided by national interest,” Goyal stated firmly, making it clear that New Delhi’s approach to global economic cooperation is rooted in strategic independence. He stressed that India’s partnerships are based on shared values and mutual growth, not compulsion or coercion.
“And if somebody tells me I can’t be friends with the EU, I won’t accept that. Or if somebody tells me tomorrow I can’t work with Kenya, that’s not acceptable.” His comments underscored India’s commitment to maintaining an independent foreign and trade policy, free from the influence of any single bloc or country.
Goyal’s remarks come amid a series of ongoing trade negotiations between India and major economies, including the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. His message sent a clear signal that India intends to negotiate on equal terms, ensuring that every trade agreement strengthens domestic industries, creates jobs, and supports inclusive growth.
Highlighting the country’s demographic strength, the minister noted that India’s young and tech-driven population provides it with a unique advantage in the global economy.
Goyal emphasized that this youthful energy, combined with rapid digital adoption, is reshaping India’s economic landscape. That aspiration is driving him to work harder, adopt new technologies, learn new languages, and explore opportunities in new countries,” he added.
He also pointed to India’s robust economic fundamentals, noting that while the nation’s nominal GDP stands at around USD 4 trillion, it is far larger when adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP). influence in global trade and investment.
Through his remarks, the commerce minister painted a confident picture of an India that is open to collaboration but unwilling to compromise on sovereignty or national priorities. With its dynamic workforce, expanding digital infrastructure, and steadfast commitment to fair trade, India, he said, stands ready to engage the world on its own terms — as a strong, self-assured, and forward-looking partner in global growth.