Piyush Goyal Says India Won’t Rush US Trade Talks, Open to Fair and Beneficial Deal

India will not rush its trade talks with the United States, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday. He emphasised that India focuses on fairness and the quality of agreements rather than deadlines. “We never finalise trade deals with a fixed timeline only agreements that are fair and useful for both sides,” Goyal said. He confirmed that India is actively negotiating a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the US and is open to deals that benefit both countries.

No Timeline For Trade Talks

The minister noted that talks had started in March, and five rounds have already taken place. However, after the US imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods from August 27, the American side postponed its scheduled visit for the sixth round, which was planned for August 25. At present, no new dates have been announced for continuing the talks.

India’s Progress in Renewable Energy

Piyush Goyal emphasised that India has become a global frontrunner in renewable energy, providing 24/7 clean power at a price unmatched anywhere else. At the 20th Global Sustainability Summit, he noted that India can deliver renewable energy at approximately Rs 4.60 to Rs 5 per kilowatt-hour (around five cents). “Such low-cost clean energy is not available anywhere else in the world,” he added. He explained that in 2014, electricity shortages and high prices were common, with some regions paying as much as ₹12–13 per unit. But with the creation of a unified national grid, even southern states started getting power at nearly one-fourth the earlier cost.

Scaling Up Clean Power

The minister credited the large push for renewable energy since 2014 for this change. The solar programme, which originally aimed for 20 gigawatts, was quickly raised to 100 gigawatts and achieved on schedule, with strong transmission networks built to support solar and wind power. Goyal stated that the renewable energy programme was increased fivefold after PM Modi assumed office. He added that open bidding and healthy competition helped reduce solar power costs from Rs 7–8 per unit to slightly over Rs 2 per unit.