Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has made a strong appeal for stakeholders to place their trust in India's handling of international trade negotiations, rather than relying on statements from overseas. This comes days after the Indian government rejected claims made by US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick regarding the status of a bilateral trade agreement.
"Trade Deals Not Negotiated in Media": Goyal's Firm Stance
Speaking at an event on Sunday, Minister Goyal addressed questions about the progress of the India-US trade deal. "Trade deal is not negotiated in media. Trust India, don't trust foreign statements. Have trust in your country, your motherland, India," he asserted. This direct statement serves as a clear rebuttal to the narrative being set by external voices and reinforces the government's position on conducting diplomacy through official channels.
The Spark: Lutnick's Claims and India's Rebuttal
The minister's comments follow a controversial claim made last week by Howard Lutnick. The US commerce secretary had suggested that the India-US trade deal, in the works since February last year, did not materialize because Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not call President Donald Trump. Lutnick contrasted this with leaders from other countries who, he claimed, secured lower tariffs by making such calls, unlike the 50% tariffs imposed on India.
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a swift and strong rebuttal, stating that Lutnick's comments on the "circumstances" were "not accurate." The ministry reiterated India's consistent interest in a mutually beneficial bilateral trade deal with the United States.
State of Play: Revised Offers and Sticking Points
Despite five rounds of talks and a revised proposal from India, the negotiations have reached a stalemate. India has shown willingness to "significantly open up" its markets but remains firm on protecting sensitive sectors crucial to its economy and populace.
The key areas India is protecting include:
- Agriculture
- Dairy
- Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
Washington has not agreed to India's revised offer, leading to the current deadlock. Periodically, President Trump has raised the issue of India's imports of Russian oil. In response, India has maintained a clear and independent foreign policy stance, asserting it will pursue policies and make purchases that serve the best interests of its consumers. New Delhi has also openly expressed its willingness to increase energy purchases from the United States, seeking a balanced approach.
Minister Goyal's call for trust underscores a broader message of national confidence in complex international negotiations, where domestic interests and strategic autonomy remain paramount.
