Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has assured that India's proposed bilateral trade agreement with the United States will protect the country's sensitive economic interests, including those of farmers and other stakeholders. He expressed confidence that the agreement would strengthen India's competitive position once its full details are made public.

India and the US announced the finalisation of the framework for the first phase of their Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) in February 2026. However, changes in the US tariff landscape have led to further negotiations. India is seeking lower tariffs for its exports compared with competing countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Goyal emphasised that trade agreements should focus on competitiveness, comparative advantage and long-term economic opportunities rather than tariff reductions alone. He also defended India's decision not to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2019, stating that the agreement could have negatively affected domestic manufacturing.

Highlighting India's expanding global trade network, Goyal said that nine free trade and bilateral trade agreements finalised by the government have opened preferential market opportunities across economies with a combined GDP of approximately $60 trillion.

He identified quality, global market access, economies of scale and inclusivity as key factors in transforming India's industrial sector. He added that India's trade agreements aim to protect sensitive industries while improving access to advanced technologies and international markets.