India to get preferential US trade access with lower duties than rivals: Piyush Goyal

India has secured an assurance from the United States that it will receive preferential access to the American market with lower duties than competing countries, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Sunday.

This refers to an understanding reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump under a broad framework agreement.

“India will get preferential trade access in the US with lower duty than our competitor countries,” Goyal told reporters after attending a community event organised by the Indian Community Association in Egypt.

Asked about reports suggesting that Washington had offered India a competitive advantage in trade, the minister said the commitment had already been agreed upon by the two countries’ leaders.

“This was already agreed between the leaders, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, when they announced that we have both come to a broad framework agreement a few months ago,” he said.

India-US trade agreement negotiations

Goyal’s remarks come as New Delhi and Washington continue negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement (BTA), following the announcement of a framework for an interim trade agreement in February 2026.

Both countries have been working towards widening market access, addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers and strengthening their bilateral trade ties.

Egypt could become India’s gateway to Africa

Speaking about economic relations between India and Egypt, Goyal said the two countries had considerable potential to expand trade and investment, given the complementary nature of their economies.

“When we look at the areas of strength between Egypt and India, there are very few areas where we are in competition. We can be each other’s support,” he said.

He identified trade in goods and services, start-ups, research and education as key areas where the two countries could deepen cooperation.

The minister also said several prominent Egyptian business houses had shown interest in investing in India, particularly in sectors such as education and food processing. These discussions, he added, reflected growing interest among businesses in both countries and could give further momentum to their strategic partnership.

Goyal highlighted Egypt’s geographical and economic significance, describing it as a key partner in India’s efforts to strengthen its engagement with the African continent.

“Africa is a very important partner for India. Egypt is a very important partner. Egypt will become the gateway to Africa,” he said.

He also recalled India’s G20 presidency in 2023, during which the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the grouping.

Goyal’s two-day visit to Egypt

The minister said his two-day visit would include meetings with his Egyptian counterparts, the country’s Prime Minister and business representatives. He added that several announcements were expected during the visit.

Goyal expressed confidence that the engagements would help expand trade in goods and services while encouraging greater investment between India and Egypt.

(with ANI inputs)