India never negotiates at gunpoint: Goyal on US deal

Both nations may pursue interim trade pact within 90 days

- SHREYA NANDI

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday indicated that the government was not inclined to show undue haste to conclude a trade deal with the US as it never negotiates at gunpoint. "I have said it many times before that we do not negotiate at gunpoint. Time restrictions are good as they encourage us to talk swiftly, but until we are able to protect the interests of the country and people, it is never good to be hasty," Goyal said on the sidelines of an event here, when asked about the progress of the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) between India and the US.

Later, speaking at the 9th Global Technology Summit here, the minister said India's current tariff protection measures are primarily directed at non-market economies that engage in unfair trade practices. "India is well-positioned to engage in bilateral partnerships with countries that value reciprocity, trust, and fair play," Goyal said.