New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that the interests of India's farmers have been safeguarded in the India-US trade agreement, with agricultural and dairy products excluded from its scope.

The minister emphasized that India has effectively shielded sensitive areas like agriculture and dairy, while placing significant focus on food and farming issues within the India-US trade pact.

He stated that the alliance will open new avenues for MSMEs, skilled laborers, and industries, fortify bilateral relations, and guarantee energy security, which remains a primary concern for 1.4 billion Indians.

Goyal remarked that the trade deal will facilitate access to advanced technologies and assist in realizing India's initiatives like 'Make in India for the World', 'Design in India for the World', and 'Innovate in India for the World'.

His remarks came amid disorder caused by unruly opposition MPs shouting slogans, prompting the Speaker to adjourn the Lower House as proceedings could not continue in the tumult.

On the same day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to respond to the 'Motion of Thanks' regarding the President's address during the ongoing Budget Session, with discussions expected to continue in both Houses.

This motion follows President Droupadi Murmu's address to a joint session of Parliament at the beginning of the Budget Session on January 28.

Previously, Goyal noted that PM Modi had successfully concluded the trade agreement, which had been stalled due to prolonged negotiations at both the official and ministerial levels.

He highlighted the necessity of finalizing the trade accord, as Indian exports of labor-intensive goods such as seafood and textiles to the US had suffered due to a steep punitive tariff of 50% imposed during the Trump administration.

"On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I express gratitude to PM Modi because this agreement will present substantial opportunities for India's economic advancement, benefiting farmers, the underprivileged, fishermen, women, and youth," he stated.

Goyal also launched a pointed critique against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of deceiving the nation and showing no concern for India's development.

He asserted, "Leaders with negative perspectives, like Rahul Gandhi, are misleading the country. They exhibit no interest in the nation's progress. The Congress administration relegated India to the fragile five economies, and if Rahul Gandhi has his way, he will revert the country to that same state."