India Emphasizes Cautious Approach in US Trade Talks Amid Pressure

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said at the Berlin Global Dialogue that India is in talks with the United States and the EU but will not rush into trade agreements or sign under pressure, declaring “we don’t do deals in a hurry” and will not do deals “with a gun to our head.” He stressed trade pacts are long-term tools to build trust, relationships and sustainable business frameworks rather than just about tariffs or short-term market access, and New Delhi will reject conditions that restrict its trading choices. The comments come amid ongoing negotiations on a long-pending EU free trade agreement and US talks, and against the backdrop of high US tariffs on Indian goods (including penal duties tied to India’s Russian oil imports) and Western pressure on New Delhi to curb purchases of discounted Russian crude. Goyal said India has “accepted” tariffs and is looking to overcome them by exploring newer markets and strengthening domestic demand, while teams and officials continue to engage with counterparts to seek a fair, equitable deal. The overall message signals a pragmatic but firm posture: India seeks deeper, durable partnerships aligned with national interest and energy security rather than hurried concessions.