Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said that trade talks between India and the United States are progressing in a “congenial atmosphere,” emphasising that the interests of farmers, the fisheries sector, and MSMEs remain a key priority.

"Trade talks between India and the US are progressing in a very congenial atmosphere. Interests of every section of the economy have to be taken care of in bilateral trade deliberations," Goyal said during a joint press conference with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Goyal added that trade agreements and talks cannot be completed within a set deadline. "Until we secure the interests of farmers, the fishery sector, and MSMEs, an agreement cannot be reached. But cordial talks are ongoing. Once a decision is made, it will be conveyed to you."

Addressing the press conference on GST Bachat Utsav, Goyal said the GST reforms initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi made this festive season special.

"The reform has brought new excitement and energy across the country — among the common people, the industrial and commercial sectors, and within households," he said.

Calling it the biggest reform since independence, Goyal noted that the indirect tax system impacts 140 crore Indians, and the decision to provide relief of ₹2.5 lakh crore through both direct and indirect tax measures is unprecedented and beyond imagination.

Goyal added that the multiplier effect of these reforms is already visible in investment, business, and industry, creating a surge in the Indian economy and boosting consumer spending.

"When infrastructure development and daily essentials become more affordable, the combined push from both supply and demand sides helps the economy grow faster, making India the fastest-growing large economy in the world," he said.