‘No Deals with a Gun to Our Heads’: Goyal Defends India’s Strategic Trade Autonomy

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal issued a firm rebuke to global pressures on Friday, declaring that India will not enter trade agreements under duress or compromise its strategic autonomy. Speaking at the Berlin Global Dialogue, he emphasized a measured, trust-based approach to negotiations with major partners like the United States and the European Union.

“India will not sign any deal in a hurry or with a gun to our heads,” Goyal stated, underscoring that trade pacts must prioritize long-term national interest, business confidence, and mutual respect—not short-term concessions or external mandates. He rejected attempts to dictate India’s international partnerships, saying, “If someone tells me I can’t work with Kenya or the EU, it’s not acceptable.”

Amid Western criticism over India’s continued import of discounted Russian crude—seen as vital for energy security and price stability—Goyal defended national sovereignty in procurement decisions. He noted that global supply chains and purchasing choices are matters for individual nations, not imposed restrictions.

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On the India-US front, Goyal reported steady progress toward a balanced Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), with five rounds of talks completed and a shared goal of reaching $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. Recent high-level engagements, including a visit by India’s commerce secretary, signal active momentum despite U.S. tariffs on Indian exports.

With the EU, negotiations on a long-stalled Free Trade Agreement continue, though challenges remain over tariffs, environmental norms, and rules of origin. Goyal’s Germany visit aims to deepen economic ties and push forward the FTA framework, reinforcing India’s strategy of expanding into new markets while safeguarding core interests.

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