US-EU Trade Talks Advancing with 'India First' Approach, Says Piyush Goyal

On Friday, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that India’s bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the United States is advancing with an "India first" approach, with the government actively working to protect national interests, as reported by the PTI news agency.

Speaking at the Italy-India Business Forum in New Delhi, Goyal also addressed the status of the India-EU free trade agreement (FTA).| (Photo: PTI)

In light of tariff threats from former US President Donald Trump hanging over global trade talks, Goyal emphasized that India does not enter negotiations under pressure.

“I have said it many times before that we do not negotiate at gunpoint. Timely restrictions are good as they encourage us to talk swiftly, but until we are able to protect the interests of the country and people, it is never good to be hasty,” Goyal informed reporters about the progress of the deal when asked, as reported by PTI.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Friday that India is keen to have the trade agreement with the US finalized at the earliest.

Goyal Urges Faster Progress in EU Trade Deal

At the Italy-India Business Forum in New Delhi, Goyal discussed the progress of the India-EU free trade agreement (FTA). He emphasized that meaningful advancements in trade talks occur only when both parties are mindful of each other's concerns and requirements.

Goyal highlighted the challenges posed by non-tariff barriers in trade with the EU and underlined the need for concrete actions to speed up the conclusion of the FTA. He stated that finalizing the agreement would significantly strengthen economic relations between India and the EU.

(This Article was originally published by Business Standard)