US Tariffs Rolled Back Under Trade Pact: Piyush Goyal Slams Critics, Defends India–US Agreement

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Tuesday strongly defended the India–US trade agreement, asserting that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India had negotiated the “best possible” deal with Washington. He also launched a sharp attack on the opposition, particularly congress leader Rahul Gandhi, for repeatedly disrupting proceedings in the Lok Sabha during the discussion on the pact.

Addressing media queries, Goyal said the trade agreement would deliver wide-ranging benefits across sectors, including agriculture, MSMEs, and core industries. He credited Prime Minister Modi’s personal rapport and sustained diplomatic engagement with US President Donald Trump for securing favourable terms for India.

“We are all aware that the Prime Minister has negotiated the best trade agreement India has ever achieved when compared to our neighbours, competing economies, and rival nations,” Goyal said. “Through his cordial relationship and close engagement with President Trump, India has gained immensely.”

The minister’s remarks came amid sharp criticism from the opposition over the manner in which the agreement was announced. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Monday described the public disclosure of the deal by the United States as “Trump-nirbharta,” alleging a communication failure by the Indian government.

Opposition leaders argued that it was embarrassing for India to learn details of its own trade agreement from overseas, after President Trump spoke about the deal on social media before any formal announcement by New Delhi.

Responding to these claims, Goyal explained that the sequence of announcements was driven by technical and procedural requirements on the US side. “The US announced it first because they had imposed reciprocal tariffs, which they now had to roll back,” he said, referring to the reduction of tariffs on Indian exports from nearly 50% to around 18%.

“This information would naturally come from the US, as they were the ones who had levied these reciprocal tariffs and were required to officially notify their rollback,” the minister added.

Goyal further clarified that once all technical formalities are completed, joint and coordinated announcements would be made by both countries. He stressed that the agreement was the outcome of months of negotiations between Indian and American trade teams.

“Every Indian is congratulating Modi ji today,” Goyal said. “This agreement enhances India’s image as a strong and confident nation. He has signed a very robust trade agreement that strengthens an already strong country.”

Protected Dairy and Agriculture Sectors

Countering opposition allegations that farmers’ interests had been compromised, Goyal asserted that sensitive sectors such as dairy and agriculture were fully protected in the trade pact.

“The Prime Minister has safeguarded dairy and agriculture,” he said. “Just as he protected India by keeping us out of the RCEP, where the Congress was ready to push the country in, he has ensured that agriculture and dairy remain protected in the US trade agreement.”

The minister added that the deal would provide tangible benefits to women, farmers, and small businesses. “This agreement will benefit our farmers and our sisters. There will be significant gains for MSMEs, as well as for sectors such as IT, textiles, and leather goods,” Goyal said.

Goyal Attacks Opposition Over Lok Sabha Disruptions

Goyal also accused the opposition of deliberately stalling parliamentary proceedings to prevent the government from clearly presenting its position on the trade agreement.

Referring to the chaos in the Lok Sabha earlier in the day, he said, “We wanted to speak in Parliament, but the entire country witnessed the kind of disgraceful behaviour displayed by Rahul Gandhi in the House.”

Reiterating the government’s stance, Goyal said the trade pact reflects India’s growing global influence and is the product of sustained diplomatic engagement with the United States.

“Our teams held discussions with the US side for months. Through his personal diplomacy and friendship, Modi ji has secured an excellent deal for India,” he concluded.