‘Misleading the public’: Piyush Goyal hits out at opposition over farmers’ interests in India–US trade deal

Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday took a veiled dig at the opposition and accused them of acting against farmers’ interests and misleading the public over the India–US trade agreement."There are some people in the nation who are against the interests of the farmers. They don't worry about the farmers' interests; mislead the public of the nation...They are surprised to see that no steps have been taken in the India-US trade agreement that go against the interests of the farmers of the nation," Goyal said.Goyal also highlighted the importance of the announcement of the interim framework of the India–US trade agreement, calling it a historic moment that would be “etched in golden letters.”Reiterating that Indian farmers’ interests remain protected, the commerce minister said US tariffs had been significantly reduced to 18 per cent from 50 per cent, opening up a $30 trillion economy to Indian exporters."I can say with absolute certainty that the farmers, MSMEs, artisans, and craftsmen of India will not suffer any kind of loss," Goyal added. He said that exporters in sectors such as gems and pharmaceuticals would benefit from zero duty in the US, calling the joint statement a source of renewed optimism and opportunity for Indian businesses.

India and the United States have released a joint statement outlining a framework for an interim trade agreement, which is expected to be formally signed in the coming weeks. Under the framework, the reciprocal tariff rate on India’s exports will be reduced to 18%.US President Donald Trump has also signed an executive order revoking the 25 per cent tariffs previously imposed on India over its purchase of crude oil from Russia.“The US and India are pleased to announce that they have reached a framework for an Interim Agreement regarding reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade,” the joint statement said.Earlier today, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh criticised the newly announced trade framework, taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ties with US President Donald Trump and suggesting their much-publicised friendship had frayed.Ramesh alleged that the agreement favours American farmers at the expense of Indian farmers and expressed concern over India’s reported commitment to halt crude oil imports from Russia, a move confirmed by the White House."Nothing in the recently released US-India joint statement has been made clear regarding the details. But from what has come to light so far, it’s evident that: India will no longer import oil from Russia. Separately, the US has also announced that if India buys oil from Russia, directly or indirectly, a 25 per cent penalty could be reimposed," Ramesh said through a post on X.