Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal recently asserted that India would never hastily enter into trade agreements or succumb to pressure during negotiations.
He confirmed that India is actively engaging in trade discussions with several key partners, including the European Union and the United States.
Speaking at the Berlin Dialogue in Germany, Minister Goyal declared, “We are in active dialogue with the EU, and discussions are ongoing with the U.S. However, it’s paramount that we don’t rush into deals, nor do we operate under strict deadlines or external compulsion.”
The Minister’s participation in the Berlin Dialogue underscored the importance of these international discussions.
He further stressed the necessity of approaching all trade deals with a long-term, strategic perspective.
Goyal reiterated India’s steadfast approach, making decisions thoughtfully rather than impulsively or in the heat of the moment.
Additionally, he mentioned that India is actively seeking out new markets to effectively manage and counter high tariff barriers.
When questioned about whether India is securing equitable, long-term trade deals with conditions, Mr. Goyal responded, “India’s relationships and decisions are exclusively driven by national interest. We will not accept any directives on whom we can be friends with, whether it’s the EU or any other nation like Kenya. The choice to procure any product from a particular country is a sovereign right that the global community must acknowledge and respect.”
These significant remarks come amidst reports of the U.S. exerting pressure on India regarding its ongoing crude oil purchases from Russia.