New Delhi, 03 February (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and other senior ministers lauded the India-US trade agreement on Tuesday, hailing it as a new cornerstone for global peace, stability, and prosperity.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi expressed delight after conversing with his dear friend President Trump, noting the tariff on Made-in-India products has dropped to 18 percent. He stated that when two major economies and the world's largest democracies collaborate, it benefits their people and unlocks vast opportunities for mutually advantageous cooperation.

PM Modi underscored President Trump's pivotal leadership for global peace and stability, affirming India's full support for his peace efforts and eagerness to elevate their partnership to unprecedented heights.

Home Minister Amit Shah declared the pact paves the way for robust trade ties and mutual growth, fortifying the strategic partnership between the two nations. This historic agreement, he added, will deliver broad benefits to both countries and their citizens, fostering exponential expansion in India-US commerce.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described the deal as major good news for Made-in-India products, emphasizing direct gains for the people of both leading democratic nations.

Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh highlighted its positive impact on the textile sector, asserting it will spur trade, employment, and innovation across both economies.

Chandrimita Bhattacharya, Secretary General of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), noted India was losing nearly 28-30 percent of its US market share, now recoverable under the deal. With India's new 18 percent rate lower than Bangladesh's 20 percent and Vietnam's 19-20 percent, Indian garments will become more affordable and competitive in the American market.

BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh praised the historic pact for providing Indian producers a significant global market boost, creating fresh opportunities for youth, farmers, and MSMEs through reduced 18 percent tariffs. He credited PM Modi's leadership for this achievement, following the recent EU free trade agreement, as it accelerates investment, innovation, and job creation via a stronger India-US alliance.

BJP MP Baijayant Panda called Monday's negotiations historic, transcending mere trade to redefine commerce between the world's two largest democracies while exerting positive global influence on trade and geopolitics.

US President Donald Trump announced on social media Monday his discussions with PM Modi on trade, the Russia-Ukraine war, and energy cooperation, culminating in the long-awaited agreement that slashes US reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25 percent to 18 percent.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar