India positioned for gains in US trade negotiations, Goyal asserts

India is well-positioned to achieve meaningful benefits from trade negotiations with the United States, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said, expressing optimism about the bilateral talks. Addressing concerns about potential concessions, Goyal emphasised that the country's negotiating team remains committed to protecting national interests across key economic areas.

The minister stressed that agricultural concerns would be prioritised during discussions, assuring that no provisions detrimental to farmers would be accepted. "People will celebrate" the outcomes of the agreement once finalised, Goyal suggested, indicating confidence in the negotiation process.

Goyal underlined that India was taking a defensive posture on sensitive sectors, carefully evaluating each proposal to ensure domestic industries and workers were not adversely affected. The statement reflects the government's balancing act between pursuing trade expansion and shielding vulnerable economic segments from increased foreign competition.

India and the US have been engaged in trade discussions aimed at expanding bilateral commerce and resolving longstanding tariff disputes. The negotiations form part of broader efforts to strengthen economic ties between the two nations and address market access issues affecting key sectors.