India will move ahead with a trade agreement with the United States only when negotiations are fully completed and clearly aligned with national interest, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday, sending a strong signal that New Delhi will not rush into deals under external timelines.
Addressing reporters, Goyal made it clear that India’s trade policy is driven by long-term economic priorities rather than political or diplomatic deadlines.
“India never does any trade deal based on deadline or time frame. When the deal is done properly, and is completely finalised and is in the country’s interest, then we will accept it,” Goyal said.
The minister underlined that for India, national interest remains non-negotiable in all trade discussions, including ongoing talks with developed economies.
“National interest should always be supreme. Keeping that in mind, if a deal is made then India is always ready to deal with developed countries,” he added.
Goyal also highlighted that India is actively engaged in negotiating free trade agreements with several global partners. These include the European Union, New Zealand, Oman, the United States, Chile and Peru. However, he stressed that such agreements are meaningful only when both sides benefit equally.
“FTAs are possible only when both sides get benefitted. It has to be a win-win agreement,” he said.
Responding to questions about the possibility of an interim trade arrangement with the US by a specific date, Goyal firmly ruled out any rushed outcome.
