‘Few Political Elements Trying To Distort’: Goyal Explains India-US Trade Deal, Slams Opposition

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal outlined the benefits of the India–US trade deal, stressing India’s growing needs in civil aviation, technology and energy. He said India may require $80–100 billion worth of civil aviation products, while investments in data centres, artificial intelligence and quantum computing could drive imports of up to $2 trillion over the next five years. Goyal clarified that Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminium and copper are global and not targeted at India, adding that exemptions have been secured for aircraft parts and some auto components. He said Indian generic medicines would get zero duty despite a US review. Addressing farm concerns, Goyal said apples and tree nuts were opened in a calibrated manner with quotas, duties and minimum prices to protect farmers. He accused the opposition of spreading falsehoods and said he was open to debate if Parliament functions normally.