In a pointed statement reflecting India's stance on the ongoing trade talks with the United States, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal asserted that India does not negotiate at gunpoint, highlighting that the nation’s interests will remain paramount throughout the discussions. His remarks come at a time when the global tariff conflict, spurred by US President Donald Trump, has intensified, with India initially expecting to be impacted by a new round of reciprocal tariffs. However, in a significant development, India has been granted a 90-day reprieve from these tariffs, providing the country some breathing room as discussions continue.

Piyush Goyal’s comments came in response to questions about the India-US trade agreement, which is currently being negotiated. Goyal made it clear that while time constraints can be an essential factor in driving timely discussions, it is never wise to make hasty decisions that could compromise India’s national and public interests. “We do not negotiate at gunpoint,” Goyal emphasized, reinforcing the point that while pressure may exist in the form of external tariffs or time-sensitive deals, India’s approach would remain rooted in its core values of independence and strategic foresight.

His comments followed a statement from President Trump, who announced a temporary halt on reciprocal tariffs for all countries, with the exception of China, which now faces a 145% duty. India, originally expected to be a major target in this new tariff framework, has avoided the brunt of these changes, receiving a reprieve of 90 days as negotiations continue.

During a press interaction, Goyal also stressed that the ongoing discussions with the US are progressing based on the "India First" principle, which aligns with the country's long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He emphasized that while progress is being made, India will ensure that the trade deal is in the best interest of its people and economy. India and the US are working towards concluding the first phase of the trade agreement by autumn 2025 (September-October), with an ambitious goal of more than doubling bilateral trade, from USD 191 billion to USD 500 billion by 2030.

The External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, also weighed in on the matter, noting that India is actively engaging with both the US and the European Union to accelerate trade talks. Jaishankar highlighted that the Trump administration had responded swiftly to India’s proposals, making it clear that the goal is to reach a practical solution that balances the concerns of both countries. “Within a month of the new administration taking office, we had a conceptual agreement to work on a bilateral trade deal,” Jaishankar stated, underlining the significance of the swift progress made.

Goyal’s remarks also touched upon the ongoing India-EU trade pact negotiations, where he pointed out that respect for each party’s concerns is key to making progress. He reiterated that trade discussions are advancing with the spirit of “India First” and in alignment with India’s overarching goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. However, Goyal also called for more concrete steps to **accelerate the conclusion of the free trade agreement.

Jaishankar added that in all these engagements, India is urging its counterparts to expedite the process to ensure that timely agreements are reached. The collective focus on India’s economic interests and its long-term growth vision has been central to the negotiations, as India seeks to deepen its trade partnerships with major global players, including both the US and the EU.

This development comes amid a backdrop of growing global trade tensions, with the US pursuing more protectionist policies, especially under the Trump administration. India, however, is standing firm, seeking solutions that respect both countries’ concerns while prioritizing national interests.

As the negotiations continue, both Piyush Goyal and S. Jaishankar have expressed optimism that a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement will be reached. However, India’s assertive stance in these trade talks serves as a reminder to global powers that India is not willing to make concessions under duress. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether the India-US trade relationship will shift into a new phase, based on the outcome of these ongoing negotiations.

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