The Wire Staff 
New Delhi: Union minister for commerce and industry Piyush Goyal on Friday (March 14) said that he had a “forward looking” discussion with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on a mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement, and that India would be guided by “India first” approach. Goyal’s statement came a day after the minister had asked exporters to move out of a “protectionist mindset” to deal with global challenges.
In a statement on X on Friday (March 14), Goyal who was in the US last week, posted a photograph with Greer and said that India’s approach would be guided by “India first” and “Viksit Bharat”.
“Had a forward looking discussion with USTradeRep Jamieson Greer on a mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement. Our approach will be guided by ‘India First’, ‘Viksit Bharat’ and our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” he wrote.
Goyal is likely to visit the United States soon again with the Trump administration’s decision to impose reciprocal tariffs set to take effect from April 2. Earlier this week, Businessline reported that the commerce and industry ministry is working on improved offers on import tariff cuts to the US which it will table in the next round of consultations with Washington DC as the initial proposals discussed by Goyal last week with his counterparts were considered inadequate by the Americans.
On Thursday, however, Goyal, during his address to the EPCs (Export Promotion Councils) and Industry Associations, asked exporters to abandon their “protectionist mindset”.
“Reflecting on the reciprocal tariffs, he has cautioned the EPCs to come out of their protectionist mindset and encouraged them to be bold and ready to deal with the world from a position of strength and self-confidence,” a statement by the commerce and industry ministry said.
The minister said that the objective of “Viksit Bharat Mission to make India a prosperous Nation is only possible when the collective commitment of Industry converges with the aspirations of Indian consumers at large for access to goods and services at competitive prices.”
Goyal in a bid to allay exporters’ concerns with respect to the US, called on the EPCs to reflect on their strengths and share their demands and interests with the Government for better engagement with the US.
The Modi government has been in damage control mode ever since the Trump administration announced that it was considering imposing reciprocal tariffs on import of American goods. Trump has repeatedly singled out India as one of the countries imposing “massive” tariffs.
Trump has repeatedly criticised Indian tariffs despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington last month, where both sides had agreed to finalise a bilateral trade deal addressing “concerns.” The first tranche of this deal is to be negotiated before fall this year.