Ideas of India Summit 2026: Piyush Goyal Says India’s FTA Strength Rooted in 1.4 Billion People at ABP Summit

Speaking at the ABP Network Summit, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal underlined India’s growing economic confidence amid global instability. He stated that India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are powered by the strength and scale of its 1.4 billion citizens, calling the country’s vast domestic market its greatest negotiating asset. Goyal observed that while much of the world is experiencing economic and geopolitical turbulence, India continues to move steadily toward its development goals. He described India as the fastest-growing major economy, attributing this momentum to structural reforms, resilient domestic demand, and proactive trade engagement with global partners. Addressing questions about a potential trade deal with the United States, Goyal noted that the global environment is evolving rapidly, making it premature to comment on specific outcomes. However, he emphasized that India has consistently safeguarded the interests of its fishermen, farmers, MSMEs, and other key stakeholders in all trade negotiations. Protecting domestic industry and livelihoods, he said, remains central to India’s trade policy framework. Calling the United States a strategic partner, Goyal highlighted the depth of bilateral ties, describing trade as one important dimension of a broader and robust partnership. He reiterated that India approaches every negotiation with clarity and confidence, ensuring national interests are never compromised. His remarks reflected a broader message of economic resilience and strategic balance, positioning India as both a reliable global partner and a nation firmly committed to inclusive growth and self-assured policymaking in a rapidly shifting world order.