New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal addressed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, asserting 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 critical sectors such as agriculture and dairy, while prioritizing food and farming issues within the India-US trade framework.

He mentioned that this partnership will open new avenues for MSMEs, skilled laborers, and industries, fortifying bilateral relations, and ensuring energy security, which is a top priority for over 1.4 billion Indians.

According to Goyal, the trade agreement “will facilitate access to advanced technologies and aid in realizing India’s 'Make in India for the World', 'Design in India for the World' and 'Innovate in India for the World' initiatives.”

This speech occurred amidst disruptions caused by unruly opposition MPs, leading to the adjournment of the Lower House by the Speaker due to the ongoing chaos.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to respond to the “motion of thanks to the President’s address” during the ongoing Budget Session, as discussions in both Houses of Parliament were set to continue.

The motion follows President Droupadi Murmu’s address to a joint sitting of both Houses at the commencement of the Budget Session on January 28.

On Tuesday, Goyal stated that PM Modi had finalized the trade deal, which had been stuck in lengthy negotiations that were yielding no results.

He pointed out that it was crucial to finalize this trade agreement since Indian exports of labor-intensive products such as seafood and textiles to the US faced challenges due to the 50 percent punitive tariff imposed by the Donald Trump administration.

“On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I express gratitude to PM Modi as this deal will generate numerous opportunities for India’s economic advancement, benefiting farmers, the underprivileged, fishermen, women, and youth,” he remarked.

Goyal sharply criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of misleading the public and showing indifference towards India’s development.

“Leaders with negative outlooks like Rahul Gandhi are misguiding the nation. They exhibit no concern for the country’s progress. The Congress government diminished India to one of the most fragile economies, and if Rahul Gandhi prevails, he will revert the nation to the same state,” the minister added.