New Delhi, 07 February (H.S.): India's industry leaders wholeheartedly endorsed the India-US interim trade framework on Saturday, hailing it as a potent symbol of global investor trust that enhances competitiveness, technology access, and supply chain resilience.

The pact, announced Friday, slashes US import duties on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, as articulated by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal during a press briefing; it heralds mutual tariff reductions to invigorate bilateral commerce between the world's largest democracies.

FICCI President Anant Goenka termed it a pivotal stride in economic synergy, dismantling regulatory hurdles and unlocking opportunities across sectors, perfectly timed as India cements its global manufacturing hub status.

CII Foresees Comprehensive FTA Pathway

CII President Rajiv Memani welcomed the framework as a timely precursor to a full-fledged free trade agreement, embodying burgeoning trust, policy alignment, and commitment to open, predictable, rules-based trade—instilling robust assurance among international industry and investors.

JK Paper CMD and JK Organization Director Harsh Pati Singhania congratulated the government, predicting accelerated technology collaboration, fortified high-quality manufacturing, and sustained industrial expansion.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar