Piyush Goyal Calls Rahul Gandhi ‘Detached From Reality’ On U.S. Trade Remark

India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has strongly criticised Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi over claims that India agreed to import $100 billion worth of goods annually from the United States without reciprocal commitments. Addressing exporters, Goyal dismissed the remarks as “detached from reality”, highlighting how reduced tariffs—down from as high as 50 per cent to around 18 per cent—would boost labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, and marine exports. He emphasised that improved market access, including zero-duty opportunities for Indian spices and gems, alongside access to critical imports like technology, aircraft, and coking coal, would strengthen India’s economic growth. Framing the deal as a strategic and mutually beneficial partnership, Goyal argued that diversified sourcing and lower costs would enhance competitiveness and sustain India’s position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy.