India Prioritizes National Interest Over Deadlines in US Trade Talks

India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized that the country will only enter into trade agreements, including the proposed US Bilateral Trade Agreement, if they serve India's national interests and provide mutual benefits. He reiterated that India does not rush trade deals to meet deadlines, stressing that agreements must be fully matured, well-negotiated, and win-win for both parties. Current trade talks with the US focus on greater market access for India's labor-intensive goods and duty concessions for US agricultural products, with a July 9 deadline looming due to the suspension of reciprocal US tariffs. Despite pressure, India resists opening its agriculture and dairy sectors and demands favorable tariffs compared to other nations, while also proposing retaliatory duties at the WTO in response to US tariffs on automobiles and auto parts. Goyal highlighted ongoing discussions with multiple countries, underscoring India's firm and principled approach to international trade negotiations. This stance aligns with India's broader trade strategy of prioritizing national interest over timelines, aiming for enduring and beneficial trade partnerships.