India Successfully Protects Its Sensitive Sectors in Trade Deal with the US: Piyush Goyal
New Delhi:
India has successfully safeguarded its sensitive sectors—particularly agriculture and dairy—while finalising a trade deal with the United States, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal informed Parliament.
Addressing the House, the minister said that following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US in February 2025, India and the United States have been holding regular discussions with the objective of concluding a balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement.
He noted that both sides had their own sensitive concerns during the negotiations. “During the course of discussions, the Indian side succeeded in protecting its sensitive sectors, especially the interests of agriculture and dairy,” Goyal said.
The Union minister further stated that after nearly a year of negotiations, India and the US were able to finalise the bilateral trade agreement. On February 2, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a telephonic conversation on bilateral ties and several international issues. Following this, President Trump reduced the tariff rate on Indian exports to the US to 18 percent.
Goyal pointed out that this tariff rate is lower than those imposed on several competing countries, which will significantly enhance the competitiveness of Indian exports in the US market. He told Parliament that the agreement would open up new opportunities for MSMEs, entrepreneurs, skilled workers, and industries, while also ensuring access to advanced technologies.
He added that the agreement aligns with India’s vision of “Make in India for the world, Design in India for the world, and Innovate in India for the world.” Calling it a historic step, Goyal said the deal would further strengthen India–US relations and accelerate India’s journey towards the goal of a Developed India by 2047.
