NEW DELHI— India’s Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, on Tuesday dismissed concerns over the status of the relationship with the United States, assuring that the strategic partnership is “enduring and growing”. However, he insisted that a bilateral trade agreement would only be finalized once it is “fair, equitable, and balanced” and fully secures India’s national interest.
Speaking at the IACC 22nd Indo-US Economic Summit in New Delhi today, Goyal stated, “I don’t believe there is any hiatus in the relationship. It continues to be very important, very strategic for both the country, the United States and India.
The Minister stressed that while both countries are committed to expanding trade, the negotiation process is complex and requires careful balancing of domestic sensitivities.
“India as a nation has to secure its interest, has to secure the interest of our stakeholders, businesses and balance it with our sensitivities, with the farmers, with the fishermen, with the small industry,” Goyal said55. He promised that once the right balance is found, “you will hear good news” on the deal.
Goyal underscored the comprehensive nature of the ties, noting recent examples like the 10-year defense accord and a new contract to source Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from the U.S..
“The story of India-US relationship can be described as that of two trusted partners working for the shared prosperity, not only of both countries but of the entire world,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted India’s robust economic standing, describing the nation as a major investment hub with global players benefitting from “very high” returns9. He projected that the country’s export growth trajectory would continue, surpassing the levels achieved in the last financial year in FY26.
