CAIT National Conference: During the National Leadership Conference of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has suggested organizing the biggest ever ‘Swadeshi Fair’ in Delhi. He said that this fair will help in bringing out the business potential and strength of business.

Also, campaigns like Self-reliant India and Vocal for Local will be strengthened on global platforms. Piyush Goyal has also asked CAIT to organize a grand “Swadeshi Mela” in Delhi in collaboration with ITPO.

Union Minister’s statement

Piyush Goyal said in his address that Indian businessmen are the backbone of the country’s economy. He also described businessmen as the strongest pillar of development. He praised this initiative of CAIT and talked about the need to strengthen skill development, women entrepreneurship, cyber security and technology based business infrastructure.

According to the Union Minister, this fair will make its place as a global platform, where the innovation potential, diversity and emerging business power of the new India will be revealed to the world. Goyal urged CAIT to organize Swadeshi fairs across the country, so that campaigns like Vocal for Local can get a platform and strength.

What do business organizations have to say?

National General Secretary of CAT and Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal appreciated the contribution of the traders and said that the initiative of Prime Minister Modi has given new energy to the business world. He also talked about making continuous efforts to protect the interests of businessmen.

Meanwhile, CAT National President B.C. Bhartia talked about the need to strengthen trade organizations. He also shared the future work plan of CAT.

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Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who reached Israel on a successful three-day visit, met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders on Sunday. He wished Netanyahu good luck on becoming Prime Minister. Piyush Goyal also met the minister there, Barkat Mir.

In a post on X, Goyal said that he has signed the terms of reference for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This is expected to promote trade, investment and technology operations between the two countries. Also, advice has been sought from Netanyahu to link the high tech power of Israel with the scale and talent of India as part of economic and strategic strategy. Also, issues like expanding the economic corridor from India to Europe via the Middle East and Israel were discussed.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal meets Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel

“Conveyed to him the warm wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. Updated him on my discussions with Minister Nir Barkat and the successful holding of Business Forum and CEOs Forum held with over… pic.twitter.com/92qYjDRZ64

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2025

Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted, “Conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s good wishes to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Updated him about my conversation with Minister Nir Barkat and the successful organization of the Business Forum and CEOs Forum with the Indian business delegation of more than 60 members accompanying me. Emphasized the signing of the Terms of Reference to start FTA negotiations, which will promote trade, investment and technology cooperation. Israel’s high-tech prowess can be leveraged against India’s Discussed strengthening our innovation partnership by combining scale and talent. Took his guidance to deepen bilateral economic and strategic engagement in the areas of agriculture, water, defence, science, technology and innovation.

Why was this meeting special?
This meeting emphasizes the increasing cooperation between India and Israel in economic, technological and strategic fields. This will open new paths between the two countries in the coming years. Minister Piyush Goyal has held many high level meetings during this tour. In this, success has been achieved on important basic issues like agriculture, technology, innovation and trade.

On November 21, Piyush Goyal met Israel’s Agriculture and Food Security Minister Avi Dichter to promote cooperation in the agricultural sector. In which there was a lot of discussion on the future roadmap regarding farming. Apart from this, on November 20, he started his official tour by meeting Minister Barkat Mir. Many bilateral issues and increasing trade cooperation were discussed between the two. There has been discussion regarding.

The new trade deal between India and America is now considered almost certain. After several rounds of talks between the two countries, this discussion has now reached the final stage. The government says that the agreement will happen only when it is in the interest of both the countries.

Awaiting America’s reply
According to government sources, most of the issues have been agreed upon on the trade agreement between India and America. Now the final reply is awaited from America. A senior official said that ‘the talks have been completed to a large extent and now perhaps there will be no need for any further rounds.’

Trump had indicated to reduce tariffs
Earlier, US President Donald Trump had said that America is ready to reduce the tariff imposed on India by 50%. He had indicated that the two countries are close to a comprehensive trade agreement.

‘We want a more balanced agreement in the interest of India’ – Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that India wants a just and balanced agreement. He said, ‘We are working to make a good trade agreement in the interest of India. It could happen any time – tomorrow, next month or next year. But the government is fully prepared.

Five rounds of talks completed
So far, five rounds of talks have taken place between the two countries at the level of officials. Apart from this, Piyush Goyal and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has also met his American counterparts.

Why is this agreement important for India
This trade agreement can prove to be a very important step for India. Through this, trade between the two countries will increase, Indian companies will get new opportunities in the American market and India’s position will become stronger in global trade.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday (6 November 2025) that negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand are progressing rapidly and it is expected to be finalized soon. This is good news for India amid the ongoing tussle over trade agreement with America.

India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement

Goyal, who is on a four-day official visit to New Zealand, is reviewing the progress in the ongoing FTA negotiations with the host country’s Trade Minister Todd McClay. Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, “I believe this is a historic visit because we are going to finalize the FTA very soon. Both sides are respecting each other’s sensitivities.”

The Union Minister said that the teams of both the countries engaged in trade talks have reached agreement on most of the issues. He said, “Only a few points remain and discussions on them are ongoing. Most of the issues have been resolved in the spirit of cooperation. The talks will continue tomorrow also and we are hopeful that there will be considerable progress.”

When asked about the role of the FTA in increasing the existing bilateral trade with New Zealand of $1.5 billion, New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay said that the agreement will significantly increase trade.

Will be making a big deal with India in these areas

He said, “Over the past year, bilateral trade between the two countries has grown by 10 per cent, which is a huge achievement considering the size of our economies. We are striving towards an agreement that creates opportunities for both Indian businesses in New Zealand and New Zealand enterprises interested in India. A lot has been done, there is still a little more work to be done.”

Todd McClay said that this agreement will also promote cooperation in the areas of agricultural technology, science and innovation. He said that both sides are making very good progress in the talks. McClay will also visit India next week in connection with the trade agreement with India.

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Union Commerce and Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said that India is in the advanced stage of negotiations with both the European Union and America for trade agreements. He said that talks with both regarding trade are now in their final stages.

America has imposed a penalty of 25 percent on India for purchasing oil from Russia. This is in addition to the 25 percent reciprocal duty on Indian goods entering the US markets. Overall, 50 percent additional import tariff is being imposed on Indian goods in America. New Delhi has called these tariffs unfair and imprudent.

‘Negotiations completed on 10 points with EU’

Speaking at an event in The Economic Times, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that India and the European Union (EU) have completed negotiations on 10 out of 20 points of the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), while an agreement has been reached in principle on the other 4-5 points. Trade negotiators from both sides will meet next week. Then sensitive issues including trade barriers on steel and automobiles will be resolved. His aim is to complete negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) by December.

EU Trade Commissioner will visit India in late November

Piyush Goyal said India hopes to achieve another breakthrough during the visit of the EU Trade Commissioner to India in late November and both sides are moving forward recognizing mutual sensitivities and strengths as they work to address shortcomings in other areas of the agreement.

Goyal had gone to Brussels recently

Let us tell you that Piyush Goyal was on a visit to Brussels from 26 to 28 October, where he met European Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maros Shefkovic on the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

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India has taken a historic decision for Republic Day 2026. This time the top leaders of the European Union (EU), European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will be invited as chief guests. This will be the first time that two top leaders of an international organization will together attend this prestigious national function of India. Both the leaders will reach New Delhi in January 2026, which is considered a symbol of giving a new direction and strengthening to the deepening strategic, economic and diplomatic relations between India and the European Union.

According to the Indian Express report, sources have said that the process of inviting European Union (EU) leaders as the chief guests of Republic Day 2026 is in the final stages. New Delhi and Brussels will soon announce this formal invitation and acceptance. Inviting a foreign leader as the chief guest on Republic Day is considered an important and symbolic step in India’s foreign policy. This selection is not just a formality, but it reflects India’s strategic, economic and geopolitical priorities.

Who was the chief guest in 2025?

India celebrates Republic Day every year on 26 January, which commemorates the implementation of the Constitution in 1950. This event is a symbol of India’s democratic heritage and international friendship. Till now, heads of state or government of many countries have been the chief guests of this function. In 2025, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the chief guest, while hosting two top EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa in 2026 will add a new chapter to India’s diplomatic history.

New strength in India-European Union relations

There has been significant progress in relations between India and the 27-member European Union in the last few months. After the visit of top representatives of the European Commission to India in February, dialogue and cooperation between the two sides has gained momentum. On October 20, the European Union approved a new strategic agenda, which aims to take India-EU relations to a new level. This agenda includes finalizing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), promoting cooperation in technical, defence, security and public relations sectors.

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Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said that why western countries are pointing fingers only at India for purchasing Russian oil, while many countries of Europe themselves are demanding discounts on Russian oil from America. At the Berlin Global Dialogue, Piyush Goyal said that Germany is asking for exemption, whereas Britain has already got this exemption.

India’s Nayara Energy Company, controlled by Russia’s Rosneft, is among the two major Russian oil companies on which the US has imposed sanctions. He says that this will increase pressure on Moscow to stop military aggression in Ukraine.

Piyush Goyal raised the issue

Speaking at the Berlin Global Dialogue, Piyush Goyal asked why India was held responsible for new US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, while Germany and Britain had sought exemption for their Rosneft subsidiaries. He said, ‘Britain has probably already got permission to buy oil from America.’

‘Why is India being targeted?’

Bryant said the issue was the recent sanctions imposed on Rosneft and that Britain has resolved its issues with Germany and the US will do the same. Goyal asked him then why only India is being targeted?

What answer did the British minister give?

The UK Trade Minister responded that the German case related to a specific subsidiary of Rosneft. When Piyush Goyal told that Rosneft also has a subsidiary in India, Kyle said, come talk to us. My door is always open.

The US has imposed sanctions on Russian oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, to stop the war in Ukraine amid Donald Trump’s growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Regarding which a very strong reaction has come from Russia.

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India EU Trade Deal: At a time when India is in talks with the US and European Union regarding a trade agreement and it is expected to be signed soon, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said that the government is not in any hurry in this deal. According to Reuters, during the Berlin Global Dialogue, Goyal said that if any attempt is made by any trading partner country to impose any condition which hinders India’s trade options, it will be rejected.

Strong message from Piyush Goyal

It is noteworthy that talks on Free Trade Agreement are going on continuously between India and the European Union, but no consensus has been reached yet on market access and other issues. This conversation has been going on for a long time.

This strong message from Piyush Goyal has come at a time when Trump administration and the European Union are putting pressure on India to purchase cheap crude oil from Russia. America has imposed a high tariff of 50 percent on India, which includes an additional tariff of 25 percent due to the purchase of crude oil from Russia.

Attempt to put pressure on India

Western countries allege that India is indirectly helping in the fight against Ukraine by purchasing cheap oil from Russia. US President Donald Trump has claimed that Prime Minister Modi has committed to him that the purchase of crude oil from Russia will be reduced. However, the Government of India has not issued an official statement in this regard.

On the other hand, President Trump has imposed sanctions against Russia’s two major oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil. As a result, India and China may be forced to reduce the purchase of oil from Russia.

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Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday (October 18, 2025) has given a big statement regarding the ongoing trade talks between India and America. Piyush Goyal said that talks between India and America on the proposed bilateral trade agreement are progressing in a cordial atmosphere. He also said that India is fully committed to protecting the interests of farmers, fishermen and MSMEs.

Goyal said in a press conference organized on GST Bachat Utsav, ‘There can be no agreement with the farmers of India, the fishermen, the MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) sector of India until we completely take care of the interests of the country.’

In response to a question about the progress of talks between the two countries on the proposed agreement and when it will be completed, Goyal said, ‘The talks are going on in a cordial atmosphere.’ This comment is important because America is seeking concessions in India’s agriculture sector.

Commerce Secretary leads Indian officials in Washington

A team of Indian officials led by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal was in Washington this week for trade talks with their US counterparts. In February this year, the leaders of India and the US had asked officials to take forward negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA).

He has set a deadline to complete the first phase of the agreement by October-November in 2025. So far five rounds of talks have been completed. Last month, Goyal led an official delegation to New York for trade talks.

Demand for India’s goods and services across the world- Goyal

Goyal expressed confidence that despite global challenges due to US tariffs, there will be positive growth in India’s exports. He said that during the first six months (April-September) of this financial year, growth in the country’s goods and services exports has been recorded.

It increased by about five percent to $413.3 billion during April-September of the current financial year 2025-26. During this period, India’s merchandise exports also increased by three percent to $220.12 billion. He said, ‘There is demand for our goods and services across the world and India will continue to move forward on this growth path and we are confident that there will be positive growth in the country’s exports in 2025-26.’

GST Reforms will give impetus to the country’s economy – Goyal

In response to a question, Goyal also said that reforms in GST will give impetus to the economy and help in dealing with the impact of global challenges. Referring to the benefits of the recent cut in GST rates, he said, ‘As soon as GST was announced, investors immediately realized that this is a big benefit. There will be a huge increase in demand.

Asked whether some e-commerce companies have not passed on the benefits of the GST cut to consumers, the minister said that generally all companies have passed on the benefits and have also announced cash bonuses and discounts.

Goyal said, ‘But if any site or platform has not provided benefits, then the consumer can complain and the consumer affairs department will take necessary action on it. All industries and companies have assured me that the entire benefit will be passed on to the consumers.

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India-Rus Trade: The trade deal has not yet been signed between India and America. Prior to this deal, Donald Trump’s Commerce Secretary Hovard Lutynik has given a big statement. He said that India will have to treat America properly.

Hovard Lutynik, Commerce Secretary, Donald Trump, also said that we have to improve many countries and also emphasized that such policies should be eliminated which are harming American interests.

‘India needs to open its market’

In an interview given to the News Nation, Lutynik said that India should open its market and should not adopt policies that can harm America. He said, ‘We have many countries that need to improve, such as Switzerland and Brazil. India is also such a country which should take the right steps towards America. Open your markets and stop work that harm America. This is why we have disagreement with these countries.

‘India will have to cooperate’

Lutnik said that business issues may be resolved over time, but if India wants to deliver its products to American customers, then it will have to cooperate with America. He said, ‘These issues will be resolved with time, but it will take time. These countries have to understand that if you want to sell American consumers, then you have to cooperate with the President of America. So there are some issues left. Big countries like India, they will be resolved over time. Lutnik also said, “The economy of 2026 will be the economy of Donald Trump.”

This statement came at a time when a high -level Indian team led by Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has visited America. The Ministry of Commerce said on 26 September that this tour had a successful talks to strengthen trade and investment relations between India and the US.