Piyush Goyal Says India-US Trade Talks Making Progress, Warns Against Deadline-Driven Deal

By A Staff Reporter

Mumbai: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday provided an update on the ongoing trade negotiations between India and the United States, saying discussions are progressing well but cautioning against rushing to meet arbitrary deadlines. Speaking to reporters, Goyal noted—even though substantial discussions had already taken place across five negotiating rounds, the current visit by the newly appointed Deputy United States Trade Representative is meant to foster familiarity rather than wrap up negotiations.

“We’ve had substantive discussions over several rounds of negotiations,” he said. “In the past, I think five rounds have happened. The current visit is not a negotiating round. The current visit is a new deputy USTR who has joined about three months ago. It’s his first visit to India. We’re getting to know each other.” According to Goyal, this groundwork is essential before moving toward finalising any agreement.

He emphasised that although discussions have been productive, “a deal is only done when both sides stand to benefit,” indicating that substantive mutual gains, not pressure from timelines, will guide the final agreement. Goyal cautioned against negotiating with deadlines, saying such an approach often leads to errors and compromises.