Goyal says trade talks are underway in a cordial atmosphere with the US

'FARMER, MSME INTEREST WILL BE PROTECTED'

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NEW DELHI: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said talks between India and the US on a proposed bilateral trade agreement are progressing in a cordial atmosphere and New Delhi will protect the interests of farmers, fishermen and MSME sectors.

"Bharat ke kisano ka, machhuvaaron ka, Bharat ke MSME sector ka, jub tak desh hiton ko puri tarah se hum sambhalen nai, tab tak koi agreement kiya nai jata (No agreement can be made until we take care of the interests of India's farmers, fishermen and MSME sector),"he told reporters here.

He was replying to a question about the progress of talks between the two countries on the proposed pact and by when it will be concluded.

"Talks are going on in a cordial atmosphere," he said.

The remarks are important as the US is seeking concessions in India's agriculture sector.