Piyush Goyal responds to criticism from the opposition with the best US trade deal in the neighborhood

On Tuesday, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India had negotiated the “best possible” trade agreement with the United States. He also harshly criticized the opposition, especially Congressman Rahul Gandhi, for causing disruptions in the Lok Sabha during the debate.

Speaking on the trade agreement between India and the US, Goyal claimed that it was finalized because of Prime Minister Modi’s close personal relationship with US President Donald Trump and that it will help a variety of industries, MSMEs, and farmers.

“We all know that the Prime Minister, leveraging his friendly relationship and close ties with President Trump, has finalised a trade deal with the United States of America that is the best deal India has received compared to all our neighbours, surrounding countries, and competing economies. This is a great deal for all of us,” Goyal said.

“Today, every Indian is congratulating Modi ji,” he added, adding that the pact boosted India’s status as a “strong country” and was the outcome of months of negotiations between Indian and US teams. Goyal declared, “He has reached a very strong trade agreement that strengthens an already powerful nation.” Goyal refuted opposition charges that farmers’ interests had been sacrificed by emphasizing that the accord had protected important sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy.

“The Prime Minister has protected both agriculture and dairy. Just as he saved India from RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership), where Congress was ready to push the country in, he has also ensured that agriculture and dairy are protected in the US trade deal,” he said.

He added that the agreement would provide significant support to women, farmers, and small businesses. “This deal will help our sisters and farmers. MSMEs, IT, textiles, and leather goods sectors will all benefit immensely,” the minister said.

Additionally, Goyal accused the Opposition of purposefully interfering with parliamentary processes so that the administration could express its stance on the trade deal. “We wanted to speak in Parliament, but the entire country saw the kind of disgraceful behaviour Rahul Gandhi displayed in the House,” he said, referring to the chaos in the Lok Sabha earlier in the day.

He reiterated that the agreement was the outcome of sustained engagement with the US side and reflected India’s growing global standing. “For months, our teams were in talks with the US team. Using his personal diplomacy and friendship, Modi ji has secured an excellent deal for India,” Goyal said.