NEW DELHI — India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, has stated that the country will not enter into any trade agreement under external pressure. He said India’s decisions will be guided by its long-term economic interests, not by short-term political or diplomatic considerations.
Speaking at an international trade conference in Germany, Goyal said, “We are in active discussions with the United States, but we are not in a hurry to finalize any agreement. India will not make decisions under deadlines or pressure. Our focus is on building an economy that will reach $30 trillion in the next 20 to 25 years.”
The minister’s remarks come after the United States imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on certain imports from India, raising the total duty to 50 percent. U.S. President Donald Trump said the move was a “penalty” for India’s continued purchases of oil and defense equipment from Russia.
Goyal responded that India will strengthen domestic demand and diversify its global trade network. “If tariffs are imposed on our exports, we will find new markets. India itself is a strong market of 1.4 billion people,” he said.
Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs described the U.S. action as “unjustified and unreasonable.” Goyal reaffirmed that India will pursue trade deals that serve its long-term interests. “We take decisions based on our national vision, not under pressure,” he said.
India is currently focusing on innovation, manufacturing, and self-reliance to sustain economic growth. Officials say the government welcomes global partnerships but insists that all agreements must protect India’s strategic and economic priorities.
