‘If you’d zeroed tariffs, US would’ve won’: Goyal jokes with envoy Gor after India’s T20 victory

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday linked T20 World Cup banter to tariffs as New Delhi and Washington unveiled a framework agreement cutting duties on Indian exports to 18%

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal struck a light-hearted tone on Monday at a reception hosted at the residence of the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, joking that the United States cricket team might have defeated India in their recent T20 World Cup match had Washington agreed to zero reciprocal tariffs.

Referring to the India–US encounter, Goyal praised the American side’s performance, noting its showing was impressive despite the country’s limited history with the sport.

“The US may not have won yesterday’s match, but for a country that has only recently taken to cricket, their performance was fabulous,” News18 quoted Goyal as saying, adding that Ambassador Gor was present to enjoy the game.

Sharing a light-hearted moment from the event, Goyal said Gor had remarked that the United States lost the match by 18 per cent.

“I made a very humble request to him, if only you had made the reciprocal tariff zero, you would possibly have won the match,” the minister said, drawing laughter from those present.

India went on to secure a hard-fought victory, restricting the United States to 132 for eight while chasing a target of 162, falling short by 30 runs — roughly 18 per cent of the required total.

Beyond the banter, Goyal used the occasion to acknowledge Ambassador Gor’s role in strengthening India–US economic ties, crediting his personal involvement and leadership in helping to finalise the long-pending trade deal between the two countries.

“The trade deal would not have been possible without his support and engagement. Thank you for all that you have done to further strengthen this bond,” Goyal said.

India–US trade deal

After months of negotiations, India and the United States have announced a framework trade agreement under which Washington will lower tariffs on Indian exports to 18 per cent, placing India in a relatively favourable position compared with competitors such as China, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Vietnam.

In August 2025, US President Donald Trump had imposed a 25 pe