Piyush Goyal Affirms India-US Relations Remain Strong

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday underlined that India-US relations continue on a positive trajectory, emphasizing that the personal camaraderie between the leaders of both nations is helping maintain constructive engagement despite past tensions.

While addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Goyal extended warm birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and drew symbolic parallels between Modi’s transformative initiatives and the timeless ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. “People had forgotten Gandhi’s appeal for cleanliness, but PM Modi rejuvenated it. Similarly, Gandhiji called for ‘swadeshi’ and Modi connected it with the people,” he remarked, lauding Modi’s ability to revive core national values.

Piyush Goyal: India-US Relations Remain Positive Despite Challenges

Goyal asserted that diplomatic ties with the United States remain friendly and resilient. “We have been holding discussions for the last few months. Yesterday, a US representative was here. Talks are going on. Donald Trump also wished Modi on his birthday. India and the US are friendly countries; our leaders are friends. Every situation will be addressed satisfactorily,” he affirmed.

His comments come amid lingering strains from the period when Trump’s administration imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods and criticised India’s purchase of Russian crude oil, linking it to funding the Russo-Ukrainian War. Goyal expressed confidence that ongoing dialogue would address all such issues and restore full trust between the two democracies.

Championing Welfare and Women’s Health

Reiterating the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, Goyal spotlighted several welfare schemes reaching marginalized sections without bias. He cited the recently launched ‘Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar’ initiative in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, which emphasizes preventive healthcare for women.

“If required, PM Modi will pay the bill. The idea is to make families healthy and strong,” he said, adding that free eye-testing camps, distribution of spectacles, and innovative drives like planting trees in the name of one’s mother are fostering emotional and environmental consciousness. Goyal mentioned visiting such camps in North Mumbai and witnessing their positive social impact.

Piyush Goyal: Economic Reforms to Propel Growth

Touching upon the upcoming 2025 budget, Goyal noted that under Modi’s leadership, two major relief measures — income tax exemption up to ₹12 lakh and comprehensive reforms in Goods and Services Tax (GST) — are expected to energize the economy.

“These steps will significantly reduce the cost of several essential items while boosting trade and industry,” Goyal said, assuring that the business community had pledged to pass on the benefits of the reduced GST rates to consumers. “People will start feeling that the prices of daily-use items are coming down,” he added.

Vision for a Tech-Driven Future

Goyal emphasized that India’s future growth will be powered by technological innovation and the thriving Information Technology sector. “India will continue to expand in different areas, skill and retrain our people, and adopt new technologies. The IT sector is embracing newer tech and creating more opportunities for our young men and women,” he noted.

He also praised the infrastructural advancements led by Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra, highlighting projects like the Dighi plug-and-play industrial park, Wadhwan Port, and Navi Mumbai International Airport as examples of accelerated regional development.

India’s Rise as a Global Leader

Concluding on an optimistic note, Goyal expressed belief in India’s potential to become a global leader by 2047. “Some people cannot digest that PM Modi is ranked the world’s most popular leader, but we believe in positive thinking. By 2047, we will become Vishwaguru. That is the dream of Modi. The country needs him, and we wish him on his birthday,” he said.

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