Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal informed Parliament that India adeptly protected its agriculture and dairy sectors in the comprehensive trade agreement with America. This success underscores New Delhi’s strategic negotiation prowess in bilateral commerce.
Initiated after PM Narendra Modi’s February 2025 Washington visit, the talks spanned almost 12 months. Goyal detailed how both countries addressed sensitivities: ‘Regular discussions led to a mutually advantageous pact where India secured its core interests in farming and milk production.’
The minister stressed the high stakes for India’s rural backbone. By holding ground, negotiators prevented tariff concessions that could disrupt local markets and livelihoods.
A turning point was the February 2, 2026, hotline dialogue between Modi and Trump on trade and international matters. Trump promptly reduced US tariffs on Indian shipments to 18 percent—cheaper than for many competitors—enhancing India’s market penetration.
Goyal outlined ripple effects: MSMEs gain export avenues, entrepreneurs access cutting-edge tech, and industries scale up. This aligns with India’s global ambitions—manufacturing, designing, and innovating domestically for worldwide reach.
In closing, the minister hailed the deal as historic, cementing Indo-US bonds and accelerating the path to a developed nation by 2047. It positions India as a resilient player in global trade dynamics.