New Delhi, September 3, 2025 – Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal reiterated India’s commitment to pursuing a fair and equitable bilateral trade agreement with the United States, while firmly rejecting any pressure to adhere to rigid deadlines.
“We never negotiate trade deals with a deadline. We only negotiate good trade deals that are mutually beneficial,” Goyal declared at the Global Sustainability Summit organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry, emphasizing substance over speed.mint
Talks Continuing, Calm Amidst Volatility
Despite mounting friction—particularly the imposition of steeper U.S. tariffs on Indian goods linked to New Delhi’s oil purchases from Russia—Goyal confirmed that trade negotiations remain “active.”mintReuters He forecast optimism for a breakthrough, expressing hope that a deal could materialize by fall or November 2025, in line with expectations framed earlier in the year.The Economic TimesThe Times of India
A Reuters report further underlined that bilateral discussions continue even in the wake of the tariff escalation.Reuters
Background: Tariffs and Trade Tensions
Earlier this year, U.S. duties on Indian exports surged to 50%, incorporating both base reciprocal tariffs and additional penalties tied to India’s Russian oil imports. This followed breakdowns in previous negotiation rounds and intensified tension over agriculture, dairy, and market access.ReutersThe Economic Times While both sides have engaged in five rounds of negotiations, the sixth round scheduled for late August was postponed amid rising trade friction.ReutersThe Economic Times
India’s Strategy: No Rush, But Prepared
Goyal stressed that India’s approach prioritizes long-term fairness and equity in agreements—not meeting arbitrary timelines.DNA Indiamint Alongside U.S. trade talks, India continues to advance other trade pacts, including discussions with the EU and finalizing agreements with nations like Australia, the UAE, the UK, and the EFTA bloc.mintThe Economic Times
What Lies Ahead
With Goyal steering India’s trade diplomacy, the government appears ready to endure short-term challenges—including U.S. tariffs—while seeking sustainable, win-win outcomes. Even as geopolitical dynamics shape trajectories, the consensus is that trade alignment can move forward—on India’s terms.
