India Demands Comparative Advantage Framework in Bilateral Trade Deal with US

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Thursday made a big statement on the proposed bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States. He said that no bilateral trade agreement with the United States can be reached until there is a fixed framework between India and the United States to ensure comparative tariff advantage for the export of Indian goods compared to competing countries. According to a Reuters report, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has also responded to the ongoing negotiations between the two countries on a trade deal. He said that talks are now underway with Washington to create a framework that will give India an edge over other competing countries. He said, "We cannot make any agreement with the United States unless there is a framework of comparative advantage. However, India and the United States have come very close to finalizing the bilateral trade agreement." Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said on February 6, 2026, "India and the United States have reached a comprehensive trade agreement."