"Trade negotiations should not affect national interests" says Piyush Goyal ahead of Pompeo's visit to India

Ahead of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's talks with the Minister of External Affairs (MEA)  Dr S. Jaishankar, the Minister of Railways and Commerce Piyush Goyal spoke about the Indo-US trade ties in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. 

The Commerce Minister brought up the ongoing trade tensions between the two countries. Goyal said that trade negotiations should be carried out, but on the other hand, he also said that these talks should not compromise on India's national interest, thereby making it clear that the Modi government will never vouch for risking India's security. Even so, Goyal implied that he looked forward to fostering trade ties between the two countries. Here's what Goyal said:

"The diplomatic engagement and the trade engagement with the United States will only get better in the years to come."

READ | US Secretary Of State Mike Pompeo Meets PM Modi, To Meet NSA Ajit Doval Next During His 2-day Visit To India

Goyal also said that India and US have always engaged together in many issues:

"The United States and India have always engaged in diplomatic, strategic and trade issues. All these are on the basis of sovereign interests of the country. Both countries protect their business and trade interests and strategic interests."he said

Later, he also spoke about the developed strategic partnership with the US over the last five years:

"Given the relationship that has been developed in the last five years with the United States, we have a strong strategic partnership with the US."

READ | Mike Pompeo Visit To India Aimed At Deepening Strategic Relationship: US

Goyal also added that the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) which was withdrawn by the United States is a sign of the growing strength of the Indian economy as the GSP is only offered to low-income countries. The United States took a call to withdraw the GSP on May 31. 

In another development, the US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo will meet National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Wednesday. Secretary Pompeo and Doval will hold talks in the South Block pertaining to a series of issues like terrorism and defence. The meeting comes days after the US showed dismal towards India's decision to purchase the long-range S-400 missile defense system procured from Russia, citing that the move will have serious implications on defence ties between the two countries.