Mumbai — Union Minister Piyush Goyal has reaffirmed India’s commitment to advancing a bilateral trade agreement with the United States, describing ongoing negotiations as productive and aligned with national interests.
“We are working on a bilateral trade agreement as was decided between Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump in February,” Goyal said while addressing the media. “We had a series of engagements, all of which are going in the right direction. We are covering a wide area of subjects and products.”
Reassuring the business community, the minister added, “I can assure businesspersons across the country that we are keeping India’s best interests at the forefront. Our bilateral trade agreement will power the economy towards Viksit Bharat 2047.”
On Waqf Amendment Bill
Goyal also spoke on the recently passed amendments to the Waqf Act, asserting that the changes are aimed at restoring the original intent of Waqf institutions — to serve the poor and needy.
“Waqf was created by a Muslim for the benefit of the poor, the needy, for a pious purpose. But over the years, the administration — which is akin to trusts — has often failed to meet the noble objectives they were meant to serve,” he said.
Criticizing the previous UPA government, Goyal added, “The 2013 amendment by the Congress-led UPA made things worse and introduced elements that went against the well-being of poor Muslims and opened doors for massive misuse of Waqf properties.”
He defended the recent amendments, stating they will ensure “orderly management for charitable and religious purposes, fulfilling the original goals of Waqf.” He also noted that people from various communities, including Muslims, have welcomed the move, expressing relief that misuse is being curbed.
