Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal defended the proposed India-US interim trade agreement, rejecting opposition concerns about sovereignty and calling such claims “absolute nonsense.” He emphasised that the agreement aims to strengthen long-term strategic and economic ties between both nations while improving market access and trade pathways. Goyal clarified that the USD 500 billion trade target reflects India’s ambition rather than a binding commitment. He highlighted exemptions secured for aircraft and select auto components under US Section 232 tariffs. The minister also noted that energy imports from the United States support India’s diversification strategy, while purchase decisions remain with companies, not government mandates.