Goyal: India-US FTA to Protect Farmers' Interests

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal expressed confidence that the proposed India-US trade agreement would strengthen India's competitive position without compromising farmers' interests.

Goyal defended the ongoing negotiations against criticism, stating that the agreement's details would demonstrate that sensitive domestic interests had been protected.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that negotiations were close to completion, with only a few outstanding issues remaining. Goyal also stated that most negotiations had concluded, with officials working through remaining technical details.

The minister reiterated that the interim arrangement would safeguard Indian farmers' interests. Negotiations have faced difficulties over US tariffs and India's continued imports of Russian oil.

The final agreement's terms, including tariff provisions and protections for sensitive sectors, remain subject to completion of negotiations.