Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 11: Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday reaffirmed that India will not compromise the interests of its farmers, dairy sector, and workers while finalizing trade agreements with other nations.
Speaking at Udyog Samagam 2025, a conference of state Industries and Commerce Ministers, Goyal emphasized that India’s trade strategy is based on fairness and balance, not haste or external pressure. “We are working for a good trade deal. India is not going to compromise with the interests of farmers, dairy and workers. We are working on a fair, equitable and balanced trade deal,” he said.
The minister also revealed that India is exploring new markets such as Russia for its fisheries sector after the US sharply increased tariffs under the Trump administration. “The trade deal can happen tomorrow, next month, or next year… but as a government, we are preparing for any contingency,” he added, noting that timing will depend on mutual readiness.
Goyal’s remarks come amid ongoing negotiations with the United States and the European Union. He recently said that while discussions with the US are moving forward, several sensitive issues remain unresolved. Talks with the EU continue to face hurdles over market access, environmental norms, and rules of origin.
Speaking earlier at the Berlin Global Dialogue, Goyal stressed that India’s trade negotiations are guided by long-term strategic interests. “Trade deals are for a longer duration. It’s not only about tariffs, it’s also about trust and relationships,” he noted, underlining that India will not rush into any agreement.
Addressing Western criticism over India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil, Goyal reiterated that such imports are vital for maintaining affordable energy supplies and national energy security. “It’s not about what happens in the next six months or just about selling steel to America,” he said, emphasizing India’s independent trade policy focused on sustainable growth and national interest.