The proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) will move forward only after Indian exporters regain a competitive tariff position in the US market, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said, stressing that New Delhi remains committed to a balanced and mutually beneficial pact.
Addressing concerns over reports of a possible 100 per cent US tariff on Indian exports, Goyal dismissed such claims as speculative, stating that discussions should be guided by official negotiations rather than media conjecture. He reiterated that India would conclude the agreement only when its exporters enjoy a tariff advantage over competing nations.
The minister said negotiations between the two countries are continuing, with both sides working towards resolving outstanding issues. He maintained that India is seeking fair market access while safeguarding the interests of domestic industry and ensuring that the agreement strengthens the country’s export competitiveness.
India and the United States have been negotiating the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement covering tariffs, market access and sector-specific issues. Goyal expressed confidence that once the tariff framework places Indian products in a stronger competitive position, the agreement can be operationalised, paving the way for deeper trade and investment ties between the two economies.
