Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, speaking at the Berlin Dialogue in Germany, reiterated India’s steadfast and measured approach to international trade, underscoring that the country does not enter into agreements hastily or under pressure from other nations. According to him, India prioritizes deals that align with its long-term strategic and economic interests rather than succumbing to external demands or arbitrary deadlines. His comments reflect India’s determination to maintain autonomy in shaping trade policies that serve the nation’s broader developmental goals and economic security.
“We are in active dialogue with the EU. We are talking to the US, but we do not do deals in a hurry, and we do not do deals with deadlines or with a gun to our head,” Goyal said. He emphasized that the nation carefully evaluates every trade negotiation, ensuring that the outcomes will be beneficial not only in the short term but also over decades, considering implications for domestic industries, employment, and technological advancement.
The minister elaborated that India is currently engaged in continuous discussions with major global partners, including the European Union and the United States, to strengthen trade relations. He clarified that while India is open to collaboration and partnership, it will not compromise its national priorities for the sake of speed or diplomatic convenience. “India never takes decisions in a rush or in the heat of the moment,” he said, highlighting the country’s methodical approach to international agreements.
Goyal also pointed out that India is exploring newer and alternative markets as a strategic measure to reduce the impact of high tariffs imposed by some trading partners. This diversification ensures that Indian exporters have access to fair and competitive trade opportunities across the globe. He noted that such efforts are not reactive but are part of a carefully crafted strategy to safeguard the interests of Indian businesses and ensure sustainable economic growth.
The minister stressed that India’s decisions on trade and commerce are guided strictly by national interest and self-reliance rather than external pressures. “I do not think India has ever decided who its friends will be based on any other considerations other than national interest,” he remarked. According to Goyal, India’s trade partnerships are founded on mutual respect, and the country will not accept external diktats on whom it can engage with commercially or which markets it can access.
Goyal’s remarks come at a time when the United States is reportedly urging India to reduce or stop its crude oil imports from Russia. By reaffirming India’s independent stance, he underscored that the country will make trade decisions based on what best serves its economy and people rather than responding to outside pressures. The minister highlighted that India is capable of balancing its strategic and economic interests while engaging with global partners.
He further emphasized that India’s approach ensures stability and predictability in trade relationships. By avoiding rushed decisions, the country can carefully assess the economic, social, and geopolitical implications of each agreement. This deliberate process, Goyal suggested, is essential to maintain India’s credibility as a reliable trading partner while protecting domestic stakeholders from potential adverse effects of hastily signed deals.
In conclusion, Piyush Goyal’s statements reflect a broader vision of India’s trade policy, one that prioritizes strategic autonomy, long-term economic resilience, and fairness for Indian businesses. His insistence on deliberate negotiation, diversification of markets, and adherence to national interest signals India’s intention to remain assertive in global trade, balancing engagement with major economies while safeguarding sovereignty over its economic decisions.
If you want, I can expand this further into an even more detailed 8–10 paragraph article that includes examples of recent trade discussions, high-tariff sectors, and India’s export strategies to make it more comprehensive. Do you want me to do that?
