When will there be good news for India on Trump's tariffs? Piyush Goyal responded, saying, "Talks..."
- bySherya
- 18 Oct, 2025

India-US Trade Talk: Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that no agreement can be reached until we fully take care of the interests of India's farmers, fishermen, MSME sector, and the country.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal made a significant statement on Saturday (October 18, 2025) regarding the ongoing trade negotiations between India and the United States. Goyal stated that discussions between India and the United States on the proposed bilateral trade agreement are progressing in a cordial atmosphere. He also stated that India is fully committed to protecting the interests of farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs.
Goyal said at a press conference organised on the occasion of GST Savings Festival, 'There can be no compromise until we fully take care of the interests of the country, of India's farmers, of fishermen, of India's MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) sector.'
Responding to a question about the progress of talks between the two countries on the proposed agreement and its completion date, Goyal said, "The talks are going on in a cordial atmosphere." This comment is significant because the US is seeking concessions in India's agriculture sector.
Commerce Secretary leads Indian officials to Washington
A team of Indian officials led by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal was in Washington this week for trade talks with their US counterparts. In February this year, Indian and US leaders asked officials to advance negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA).
They have set a deadline for completing the first phase of the agreement by October-November 2025. Five rounds of talks have been completed so far. Last month, Goyal led an official delegation to New York for trade talks.
There is demand for Indian goods and services across the world – Goyal
Goyal expressed confidence that India's exports will see positive growth despite global challenges due to US tariffs. He said that the country's goods and services exports have registered growth during the first six months (April-September) of this fiscal year.
During the April-September period of the current financial year 2025-26, it increased by nearly five percent to $413.3 billion. India's merchandise exports also increased by three percent to $220.12 billion during this period. He said, "There is demand for our goods and services across the world and India will continue on this growth path, and we are confident that the country's exports will see positive growth in 2025-26."
GST reforms will give impetus to the country's economy: Goyal
Responding to a question, Goyal also said that the GST reform will boost the economy and help address the impact of global challenges. Citing the benefits of the recent GST rate cuts, he said, "As soon as the GST was announced, investors immediately realized it was a huge benefit. There will be a huge increase in demand."
Asked whether some e-commerce companies have not passed on the benefits of GST reduction to consumers, the minister said generally all companies have passed on the benefits and have also announced cash bonuses and discounts.
Goyal said, "But if a site or platform has not provided benefits, a consumer can file a complaint with the Consumer Affairs Department, and the Consumer Affairs Department will take necessary action. All industries and companies have assured me that the full benefits will be passed on to consumers."