‘Best US Trade Deal in Neighbourhood’: Piyush Goyal Hits Back at Opposition Over Trade Pact

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has strongly defended the recently announced India–US trade agreement, calling it the “best possible deal” India could secure compared to neighbouring economies. The minister also criticised Opposition parties for disrupting parliamentary proceedings during discussions on the agreement, describing their conduct as “disgraceful”.

Speaking amid political debate over the trade pact, Goyal said the agreement was achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reflected India’s growing strength on the global stage. He credited Modi’s personal diplomacy and close engagement with US President Donald Trump for helping finalise the deal, which includes reduced tariffs on Indian exports and expanded economic cooperation.

According to Goyal, the agreement positions India more favourably than its regional competitors, ensuring better market access while protecting sensitive domestic sectors. He emphasised that agriculture and dairy—two areas frequently highlighted by critics—remain safeguarded under the arrangement. The minister said the government had ensured that farmers’ interests were not compromised, drawing parallels with India’s earlier decision to stay out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which he argued had also been taken to protect domestic industries.

Highlighting the broader economic benefits, Goyal said the pact would create opportunities across multiple sectors, including MSMEs, textiles, leather goods, and information technology. He added that women entrepreneurs, farmers, and small businesses would stand to gain from improved trade conditions and expanded export avenues. The minister described the agreement as a result of months of sustained negotiations between Indian and American teams, aimed at strengthening bilateral trade while maintaining India’s strategic autonomy.

However, the announcement has also triggered political controversy, with Opposition leaders questioning aspects of the deal and the manner in which it was communicated. Goyal accused Congress and its leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, of disrupting the Lok Sabha during discussions on the issue. He said the government intended to present its position in Parliament but was unable to do so fully due to repeated interruptions.

The minister maintained that the agreement reflects India’s growing global stature and reinforces its position as a strong and confident economy capable of negotiating favourable terms with major world powers. He argued that the reduction of tariffs on Indian goods in the US market would boost exports and provide a fresh push to domestic manufacturing under initiatives aimed at making India a global production hub.

The debate over the trade deal comes amid heightened political exchanges between the ruling alliance and Opposition parties, with each side framing the agreement differently. While the government portrays it as a strategic victory that benefits a wide range of industries and workers, critics have raised questions about transparency and communication.

As discussions continue, the trade pact remains at the centre of both economic optimism and political contention, reflecting its significance not only for India’s export landscape but also for the broader narrative around foreign policy and parliamentary debate.