India-US trade deal: 'Agri, fertilisers sensitivities fully taken into account,' says Piyush Goyal

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday told Parliament that ensuring energy security for the Indian people is the government’s “top priority,” as lawmakers debated the recently announced trade deal with the United States. His remarks came amid opposition concern about the impact of the pact on sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha during the budget session, Goyal said the government’s foremost duty is to make sure India’s energy needs are met for its population of 140 crore people. “I want to make it clear that ensuring the energy security needs of 140 crore Indians is the government’s top priority,” he told members of Parliament. “In line with the changing international scenario, we are diversifying our energy sources with this objective in mind.”

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Goyal highlighted that the country is working with global partners to secure reliable energy supplies, underscoring the importance of diversification in the face of shifting global dynamics. He also pointed to opportunities in sectors like nuclear and aviation, where cooperation with partners such as the United States could enhance India’s energy infrastructure.

Trade deal debate in Parliament

Lawmakers also discussed the broader India‑US trade agreement, which was announced earlier this week after months of negotiations. Under the deal, reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods are being reduced, and India insists its agriculture and dairy interests have been protected. Goyal reiterated that sensitive sectors were fully taken into account in discussions, amid objections from opposition MPs.

Opposition members continued to raise questions about potential effects on farmers, manufacturing and energy policy, demanding greater clarity on how India will manage its trade relations while safeguarding domestic industries.