India, US Start Drafting Trade Deal; Goyal Emphasizes: No Agreement Under Pressure

India and the US are progressing on a bilateral trade deal, with negotiators working on the draft text. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized that India will not agree under pressure or deadlines, focusing instead on long-term national interest for its young population. Talks cover non-tariff barriers, agriculture, and reciprocal tariffs under Section 232, with virtual sessions ongoing and potential US visits to India. Goyal highlighted that trade deals are more than tariffs—they involve trust, relationships, and future economic prospects. India seeks a resilient, equitable agreement while maintaining strategic autonomy and national interest in global partnerships.