Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India would not compromise its self-respect in trade negotiations, asserting that the country will remain firm even as U.S. tariffs of 50% on Indian goods disrupt exports and stall talks on a bilateral trade deal.
Standing Firm in Trade Talks
Speaking at the curtain raiser of Bharat Buildcon, Goyal said:
“If any country wants a free trade agreement with us, we are ready. But any form of discrimination hurts the self-confidence and self-respect of India’s 1.4 billion citizens. We will neither bow down nor appear weak.”
He added that India’s exports this year would surpass last year’s despite the tariff shock, as New Delhi seeks to capture new markets.
Goyal urged industry to focus on self-sufficiency while assuring government support for sectors hit by tariffs. He highlighted new export commitments, with the iron ore and steel industry pledging 50 million tonnes of shipments this year, aiming to diversify India’s export basket.
The minister also called on exporters to identify vulnerable sectors so the government can help redirect trade. “We are reaching out globally through our missions to explore new opportunities,” he said.
Alongside export promotion, Goyal pointed to measures to stimulate domestic consumption. The GST Council is scheduled to meet next week, with decisions expected to provide a “big demand booster” for India’s manufacturing sector.
The Commerce Ministry has acknowledged short-term pain for industries such as textiles, chemicals, and machinery, but maintains there will be “no long-term loss.” Outreach programs are being launched across 40 key markets, with a special focus on textiles, while an Export Promotion Mission is being expedited to strengthen supply chains.
Officials remain hopeful that trade negotiations with Washington can resume, but stress that tariffs will need to be addressed first.
Outlook
As India balances tariff pressures with domestic reforms and export diversification, the government’s message is clear: New Delhi will engage in trade talks, but not at the cost of national pride or self-reliance.
