Puri

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday said that the recently finalised India–US interim trade framework is expected to significantly benefit Indian industries and businesses, further reinforcing the country’s economic strength.

Speaking to ANI during his visit to Puri, where he offered prayers at the Shree Jagannath Temple, Pradhan said India’s economy remains resilient and well-positioned for growth. He pointed to India’s expanding trade engagements with major global partners as evidence of this momentum.

“India’s economy is on strong footing. We have successfully concluded commercial discussions with several countries, including the European Union, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and now the United States. These agreements will create new opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs and businesses, expand production capacity and generate employment for our workforce, thereby strengthening the overall economy,” he said.

Pradhan, who is in Puri to attend the 21st National Conference of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, expressed gratitude for the event being held in the holy city. He said the gathering near Lord Jagannath added special significance to the conference and voiced confidence that India’s labour force, powered by skill and a sense of national commitment, would perform strongly in the modern economic landscape.

On February 6, India and the United States announced a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement aimed at reciprocal and mutually beneficial market access. The joint statement reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to advancing negotiations under the broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) launched by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2025.

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Under the framework, the US will impose a reciprocal tariff rate of 18 per cent on select Indian-origin goods, including textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber products, organic chemicals, handicrafts, home décor items and certain machinery.