Trade Talks with US Continue, Farmers and Small Producers Are Our Priority: EAM Jaishankar

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Saturday said that trade negotiations with the United States are ongoing but stressed that India will not compromise on protecting the interests of its farmers and small producers, even as the country faces the prospect of steep 50 per cent tariffs from August 27.

Speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2025 in New Delhi, Jaishankar said, “What we are concerned about is that our red lines are primarily the interests of farmers and, to some extent, small producers. The government is fully committed to defending these interests, and we are very determined on that. This is not something we can compromise on.”

He also remarked that US President Donald Trump’s approach to global and domestic issues marked “a major departure from traditional, orthodox methods” of governance.

At the same event, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal underlined that India’s trade strategy, including free trade agreements, would always be guided by national interest and the needs of domestic industry.

“When we do trade deals, I have to protect national interests. We usually begin negotiations with an understanding that both sides respect each other’s sensitivities. That has helped us move forward with multiple countries,” Goyal said.

He noted that discussions with the European Union are progressing, and that three to four more trade agreements are being fast-tracked. “The EU has its own sensitivities, and we respect that, just as they respect ours. This will make it easier to reach common ground,” he added.

Goyal further emphasised that India’s relationship with the US is “very consequential,” highlighting the country’s resilience, economic strength, and growth potential as the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

With inputs from IANS