Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, declared on Friday, October 24, 2025, that India is not one to rush into trade agreements, nor will it ever sign deals under duress.
He affirmed that India is currently engaged in active trade negotiations with several key global partners, including the European Union and the United States.
Speaking at the Berlin Dialogue in Germany, Minister Goyal reiterated, “While we are engaged in constructive discussions with both the EU and the U.S., India stands firm. We will not be rushed into agreements, nor will we succumb to arbitrary deadlines or external pressure.”
The Minister’s participation in the Berlin Dialogue underscored India’s presence on the global economic stage.
He further emphasized that any trade agreement India enters into must be approached with a clear, long-term vision, focusing on sustainable benefits.
India’s policy, he stressed, is characterized by thoughtful deliberation, ensuring that decisions are never made hastily or impulsively.
Furthermore, Goyal indicated that India is actively exploring new markets to mitigate the impact of high tariffs imposed by certain regions.
When questioned about securing fair, long-term trade deals with specific conditions, Mr. Goyal asserted, “India’s alliances are solely determined by its national interest, without any external dictates. If someone were to suggest we couldn’t partner with the EU, or work with a nation like Kenya, that would be completely unacceptable.” He concluded that decisions regarding purchasing specific products from different countries ultimately rest with the global community.
These strong statements are particularly noteworthy given recent reports of the U.S. exerting pressure on India to reduce its crude oil imports from Russia.