Piyush Vedprakash Goyal, born on June 13, 1964, is an Indian politician and has held key positions in multiple ministries in the BJP government.
He was born in Mumbai to Chandrakanta Goyal and Ved Prakash Goyal. He is a Chartered Accountant and secured a second all-India rank in CA Final and has also pursued Law from the Mumbai University. He got married to Seema Goyal, an active social worker and the couple has two children.
During the initial days of his career, he started as an investment banker but later entered into politics. In his over three-decade-long political career, he has held several posts and has served as the Minister of State for Coal, Power, New and Renewable Energy; Minister of Railways; Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Goyal was nominated by the Government of India in the task force for 'Interlinking of Rivers'. In June 2020, he was also appointed as the Deputy leader of the House in Rajya Sabha.
Under his leadership, from 2017 to 2021, the Indian Railways have completed 200 key long-pending projects and also established a ‘Zero Accident’ railway system.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that India and the US have agreed to a trade deal under which Washington will bring down reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from the current 25 per cent.
US President Donald Trump on Monday announced that he would reduce reciprocal tariffs from 25 per cent to 18 per cent.
In this India Today special report, Maria Shakil leads coverage as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her ninth Union Budget. For the first time in 75 years, the Finance Minister is expected to read 'Part B' of the budget speech in its entirety, focusing on custom reforms and deregulation. The government aims to balance CAPEX-led growth with consumption relief while emphasizing digital transformation through a tablet-based 'Bahi Khata' at the new Kartavya Bhawan. Key discussions include potential tweaks to the Security Transaction Tax (STT), recalibration of capital gains tax, and increased allocations for PM Awas Yojana and Ayushman Bharat. Union Minister Piyush Goyal provides insights into India's trade deal with the European Union. Analysts examine the 'K-shaped' economy, global headwinds, and the role of cooperative federalism in driving labor-intensive manufacturing. The program also highlights the participation of women in the budget drafting team to address household economic concerns ahead of crucial elections in five states.
In an exclusive conversation with India Today, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal discusses the landmark trade deal between India and the European Union. He describes the agreement as a 'holistic, comprehensive vision of a developed India' that will safeguard labor-intensive sectors and create millions of jobs. Minister Goyal criticizes the previous UPA government for a 'lack of courage of conviction,' noting they aborted trade talks in 2013 due to a weak understanding of economic fundamentals. He highlights that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has entered into eight free trade agreements with 37 developed nations in the last four years. Goyal emphasizes that these deals insulate the Indian economy while attracting capital and technology to help India become a developed nation by 2047. The Minister asserts that the complementarities between India and the developed world will allow markets to flourish and provide 140 crore Indians with better quality standards and economic opportunities.
On this Special Report, the focus is on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as she prepares to present her ninth straight Union Budget, notably the first to be held on a Sunday. The budget aims to lay down a roadmap for 'Viksit Bharat' through tax reforms and a significant growth push amidst global uncertainties and Trump tariffs. Union Minister Piyush Goyal, in an exclusive conversation with India Today regarding the India-European Union trade agreement, stated, 'India has the potential and 140 crore Indians today have made it a collective vision to make India developed and prosperous nation by 2047.' The programme highlights that while government revenues and support for MSMEs remain challenges, capital expenditure on infrastructure and sops for poll-bound states are expected to be the centerpiece. The discussion explores the holistic vision of a developed India and the potential outcomes of the trade deal with the EU.
In this exclusive interaction, Union Minister Piyush Goyal provides a significant update on international trade negotiations, stating, 'It's very good progress. We are in continuous engagement with them.' Goyal expresses strong optimism regarding the ongoing discussions, noting that teams are actively engaged through video conferences and messaging. Beyond policy, the Minister reflects on his personal journey and the legacy of his father on his 100th birth anniversary, highlighting the values of integrity and financial independence in public service. He clarifies that his political career was built on merit rather than dynastic inheritance, citing his 30-year career in the private sector before joining the Union Cabinet in 2014. Addressing the political transition in Maharashtra following the passing of Ajit Pawar, Goyal welcomes Sunetra Pawar as she assumes the role of Deputy Chief Minister, praising her compassionate demeanour and expressing confidence in her leadership within the Mahayuti alliance.
In this special conversation, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal discusses the landmark India-European Union trade deal, describing it as a 'defining moment in India's history'. Goyal highlights that the agreement will provide zero-duty access for Indian textiles, potentially creating six to eight million jobs. He contrasts the current government's 'courage of conviction' with the previous UPA administration's approach, asserting that India now negotiates from a position of strength. The Minister emphasizes that the deal safeguards sensitive sectors like agriculture while opening doors for high-tech products and massive investments. Beyond trade, Goyal reflects on his father’s legacy on his 100th birth anniversary, sharing personal anecdotes about integrity and the importance of education. He also comments on the political transition in Maharashtra, wishing Sunetra Pawar success as she takes charge as Deputy Chief Minister following the passing of Ajit Pawar. The discussion underscores India's vision of becoming a $30-35 trillion economy by 2047 through strategic global partnerships.
In this exclusive interaction, Union Minister Piyush Goyal discusses the significance of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a 'defining moment in India's history.' He emphasizes that India now negotiates from a position of strength, backed by a robust economy projected to reach 30-35 trillion dollars. Goyal highlights how the deal safeguards sensitive sectors like agriculture while opening vast opportunities for Indian exports in engineering, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. He credits the successful negotiation to the leadership and empowerment provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Minister explains that the agreement, often referred to as the 'mother of all deals,' will transform India into a global manufacturing hub and provide consumers with cheaper access to high-tech products and life-saving drugs. The dialogue underscores the strategic importance of the partnership with the 27-nation bloc, noting that it reflects nearly one-third of global trade and offers a win-win scenario for both India and the European Union.
On this special report, Union Minister Piyush Goyal discusses the strategic shift in India's trade policy and the successful negotiation of free trade agreements. Goyal criticizes the previous UPA government, stating, 'I think there was lack of courage of conviction when the Congress-led UPA government initiated talks 2006, 20 years ago.' He highlights that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has entered into eight agreements with 37 countries, focusing on developed nations to safeguard labor-intensive sectors. The Minister emphasizes the potential for the textile industry, noting that zero-duty access to the European Union will allow India to compete effectively with nations like Bangladesh and Vietnam. He predicts the creation of millions of jobs in sectors such as leather, footwear, and processed agricultural products, urging Indian industry to meet high-quality European standards to capitalize on these new global opportunities.
On this special report, Minister Hudson discusses the strengthening of India-Canada trade relations amidst a changing global order. Addressing concerns over the 'weaponization of tariffs' and energy security, the Minister emphasizes Canada's commitment to multilateralism and free trade. A significant highlight of the discussion is Canada's willingness to support India's ambitious nuclear energy targets. Minister Hudson states, 'Our commitment to India is we are happy to supply uranium for peaceful purposes to any facilities that continue to abide by the International Atomic Energy Agency's oversight rules.' The dialogue also covers the potential for a comprehensive free trade agreement, with both nations looking to move beyond traditional energy sectors into critical minerals and renewable expertise. Minister Hudson reiterates that Canada views India as a like-minded partner and stresses that Canada will never use its natural resources as a tool for political coercion, contrasting its approach with other global powers.
This special report covers the tragic demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati on 28th January 2026. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has condoled the death, while Congress leader Manish Tewari has called for an official confirmation of the details surrounding the incident. The transcript highlights that Pawar had attended meetings in Mumbai until late the previous night before flying early to Baramati for a series of rallies ahead of the local body elections. The programme discusses the final moments of the aircraft as it came in to land and reflects on Pawar's political journey, including his recent split from the NCP to serve the people while in power. The report also touches upon the intense speculation regarding the future of Maharashtra politics following this sudden loss of a key political figure who was actively working to fortify his party's position in the upcoming Nikai Chunav.
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the successful conclusion of negotiations for the historic India–EU Free Trade Agreement. Goyal and Misri described the pact as “game-changing and transformational” for the strategic partnership between India and the European Union.
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri outlined the outcomes of the 16th India–EU Summit in New Delhi. Goyal described the newly concluded Free Trade Agreement as the “mother of all deals.”
The landmark conclusion of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement negotiations has been hailed by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal as a “game-changing and transformational” step in strengthening the strategic partnership between the EU and India.
The India–European Union Free Trade Agreement is being seen as a strategic counterweight to China’s manufacturing dominance and shifting US trade policies, panellists said in a special report analysing the landmark pact.
This report examines the complexities surrounding the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. The speaker highlights that while European wines and spirits may become more affordable in India, the deal faces significant hurdles, including 'legal scrubbing' over the next six months and potential dissent within the European Parliament. The discussion emphasizes that India remains an independent power with a domestically oriented economy, relying on internal consumption rather than exports for growth. Reference is made to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s previous concerns regarding unfair agreements with other nations, contrasting them with the current push for new trade pacts. The programme also touches upon Europe's military and economic reliance on the US and NATO, questioning whether the FTA is a purely economic move or a strategic reengineering of the global power balance. The segment concludes by reflecting on the global stability linked to India's success, as noted by Ursula von der Leyen.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the historic finalisation of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the pact, stating, 'We did it, we delivered the mother of all deals.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the agreement as the largest for India, expected to come into force early next year. The deal covers nearly one-third of global trade and 25% of global GDP, creating a market of 2 billion people. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted benefits for labor-intensive sectors like textiles, leather, and gems, while the EU gains phased access for cars and spirits. Beyond commerce, the partnership extends to clean energy, maritime security, and defence cooperation. Despite the strategic milestone, the report notes pushback from US officials regarding India's trade relations. The programme explores how this 'win-win' partnership between the world's second and fourth largest economies aims to reshape the global economic order.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed between India and the European Union. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the pact as the 'mother of all deals', emphasizing that 'We are creating a market of two billion people and this is the tale of two giants'. The agreement, signed on 27 January 2026, aims to double bilateral trade by 2032 and covers 96.6% of EU export value and 99% of Indian export value. Key highlights include significant duty cuts on European cars, wines, and pharmaceuticals, while providing Indian exporters duty-free access for textiles, footwear, and marine products. Beyond trade, the partnership establishes a new security and defence framework, covering maritime security, cyber threats, and counter-terrorism. The programme also features an exclusive interview with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas on diversifying trade portfolios amidst global geopolitical volatility and the 'predictability' of the EU as a strategic partner for India.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the landmark Free Trade Agreement signed between India and the European Union in New Delhi. Union Minister Piyush Goyal described the pact as a historic milestone, stating, 'India has signed the biggest free trade agreement of its history.' The deal aims to double bilateral trade by 2032, covering manufacturing, services, and clean energy. Under the agreement, India will slash duties on European cars, pharmaceuticals, and wine, while gaining duty-free access for textiles, footwear, and marine products. A significant highlight is the mobility framework, which offers uncapped access for Indian students and professionals to the EU. The pact also includes the launch of the first EU legal gateway office in India to facilitate the movement of skilled talent. While sensitive sectors like dairy and rice remain protected, the agreement marks a strategic shift in India-EU economic relations, promising a win-win partnership for the world's second and fourth largest economies.
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri have announced the conclusion of the 16th India-EU Summit, marking a transformative shift in bilateral relations. Minister Goyal described the landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as the 'mother of all deals,' noting it covers 25 percent of global trade. The agreement provides duty-free access for 99% of Indian exports, specifically benefiting labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, and gems. Foreign Secretary Misri detailed the first-ever India-EU Security and Defence Partnership and a memorandum of understanding on mobility. Key focus areas include maritime security, green hydrogen cooperation, and scientific research via the Horizon Europe program. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa to solidify this strategic partnership. Additionally, the briefing addresses the nationwide debate regarding new UGC equity regulations. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan provided insights on these regulations, which aim to curb campus discrimination while preventing the potential misuse of the new laws.
