Did Congress Just Call Out Piyush Goyal for Dismissing India-ASEAN Trade Agreements?
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Synopsis
The recent criticism from Congress towards Piyush Goyal highlights the importance of India-ASEAN trade relations. With accusations of belittling established agreements, the focus now shifts to how the government plans to navigate future trade negotiations without straining ties with key partners.
Key Takeaways
- Congress critiques Goyal's remarks on India-ASEAN Trade Agreements.
- Importance of ASEAN in India's trade strategy highlighted.
- Need for diplomatic language in trade discussions emphasized.
- Trade agreements with ASEAN are pivotal for economic growth.
- India's Look East policy aims to strengthen regional ties.
New Delhi, June 20 (NationPress) The Congress party has taken aim at Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal for allegedly disparaging the India-ASEAN Trade Agreements established during the era of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). Former Union Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma expressed that Goyal's comments regarding the India-ASEAN Trade Agreements are unjustified, misinformed, and regrettable.
“The Commerce Minister ought to focus on enhancing trade relations with partner nations rather than insulting them while attempting to secure a subpar trade deal with the US,” remarked the Congress leader, who pointed out deficiencies in the ongoing trade negotiations with the Donald Trump administration.
Sharma emphasized the significance of the ASEAN bloc by stating, “India and the ASEAN nations have maintained a multifaceted relationship for over three decades, which is mutually beneficial and crucial.”
He further stated, “This relationship is a vital component of the ‘Look East policy’ aimed at deepening and diversifying India's ties with a region that holds substantial economic and Geo-Strategic importance for engagement with the Asia-Pacific.”
Sharma criticized Goyal's remarks, which dismissed the Trade Agreement with ASEAN as foolish and labeled these nations as the B team of China, as reckless and disrespectful.
The Congress leader reminded that President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto was invited as the chief guest for the 2025 Republic Day Parade. He underscored that successive Indian administrations have diligently pursued the ‘Look East policy’ and elevated India-ASEAN relations to a strategic partnership.
India is also a participant in the East Asia Summit (EAS) involving ASEAN plus six (Japan, India, South Korea, China, Australia, and New Zealand). Sharma noted that Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia are strategic partners.
Sharma highlighted that the CECA (Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement) with ASEAN and trade agreements with Japan and South Korea aim to stimulate investments and trade in goods and services.
“These agreements were carefully negotiated with India’s interests in mind in this dynamic region. All trade agreements signed by India include built-in checks and review mechanisms,” he stated.
Trade in goods with ASEAN nations encompasses vital imports, including iron ore and coal from Indonesia, palm oil from Malaysia and Indonesia, oil-petroleum products from Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia, and pulses from Myanmar, according to Sharma.
The Congress leader went on to remind Goyal of the fundamental principle of trade: “No country can export what it does not produce nor import what it does not need.”
Earlier, on Thursday, Goyal criticized India’s legacy trade agreements with ASEAN nations, branding them as “silly.” Speaking at the India Global Forum, the Union Minister stated that 15 years ago, India focused more on trade agreements with competing nations rather than forging complementary partnerships.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of maintaining strong trade relationships. The criticism of Minister Goyal highlights the need for diplomatic language when discussing international agreements. The future of India-ASEAN relations should be approached with a focus on mutual respect and strategic partnership, essential for both economic growth and geopolitical stability.
NationPress
20/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Piyush Goyal say about the India-ASEAN Trade Agreements?
Piyush Goyal referred to the India-ASEAN Trade Agreements as 'silly' and criticized them for being established with competitor nations rather than focusing on complementary partnerships.
Why did Congress criticize Goyal's remarks?
Congress criticized Goyal for belittling the trade agreements, stating that his comments were unjustified and detrimental to India's relations with ASEAN countries.
What is the significance of the ASEAN grouping?
The ASEAN grouping represents a vital economic and strategic partnership for India, fostering trade and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
What agreements were mentioned in the criticism?
The criticism focused on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with ASEAN and trade agreements with Japan and South Korea.
How does trade with ASEAN benefit India?
Trade with ASEAN countries includes essential imports like iron ore, coal, palm oil, and pulses, which are crucial for India's economy.
