Goyal says India won’t rush trade deals
India will reject hasty trade agreements that limit its commercial freedom, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated on Friday at the Berlin Global Dialogue. The minister emphasized that negotiations focus on building lasting relationships rather than meeting short-term export targets. His remarks addressed European objections to Indian purchases of discounted Russian crude oil that Western nations say fund military operations against Ukraine.
Goyal defended the Russian energy imports as necessary for affordable fuel supplies and national energy security. Trade discussions with the United States continue making progress through regular diplomatic exchanges, the minister told reporters on Thursday. India and the European Union aim to complete free trade agreement talks before the year’s end, despite disagreements over market access rules and environmental requirements.
The minister met with German economic advisor Levin Holle to explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. Both governments expressed commitment to advancing the India-EU free trade pact for mutual economic benefit. Goyal stressed that successful trade deals require trust between partners beyond simple tariff reductions.
