Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguard the interests of exporters amid rising global tariff concerns. Speaking at the Udyog Samagam event alongside Tamil Nadu’s Commerce Minister TRB Rajaa, Goyal stressed that India would continue to seek fair and equitable trade agreements that balance national priorities with international competitiveness.

During the event, TRB Rajaa raised concerns over the challenges faced by exporters, particularly from Tamil Nadu’s textile and seafood industries, following tariff measures in key global markets like the United States and Europe. Rajaa urged the Union government to intervene and provide relief to help sustain industrial growth and maintain export volumes. “Our textile and seafood exporters are facing difficulties due to tariffs. We urge some action on that end,” he stated.

Responding to Rajaa’s appeal, Goyal assured that the central government was already pursuing trade negotiations aligned with India’s national interest. He reiterated that New Delhi would not rush into any deals under pressure. “A trade deal has to be in everyone’s interest. It can happen tomorrow, next month, or next year, but not at the cost of our people,” Goyal asserted, underscoring the need for long-term and sustainable trade frameworks.

Also Read: Indian Fugitive Pankaj Lamba Still on the Run a Year After Brutal Murder of Wife in UK

Highlighting ongoing government initiatives, the minister said India was expanding its export presence through market diversification and diplomatic outreach. “The EU has recently approved several of our fisheries that weren’t earlier. Knowing the US market is affected, we reached out to the EU and Russia to approve our suppliers so new markets can open up. The Gulf has also shown interest in buying more fish,” he explained.

Goyal concluded by emphasizing India’s resilience in the face of shifting global trade conditions. He said that exporters would continue to receive strong policy support to ensure sustainable growth across sectors. “India is not weak. We will find ways to support our exporters and build new opportunities even in challenging times,” he said, adding that the government remains determined to protect the livelihoods of workers, farmers, and other key stakeholders in the trade ecosystem.

Also Read: Trump Says ‘Fair Trade Deal’ with India Imminent After Months of High-Stakes Negotiations