Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal struck a light hearted yet pointed note on trade ties between India and the United States while addressing a reception hosted by Sergio Gor in New Delhi. Drawing laughter from diplomats and officials in attendance, Goyal used the context of a recent T20 World Cup match between India and the United States to flag tariff issues that continue to figure in bilateral trade discussions.

#WATCH | Delhi: “…The US may not have won yesterday’s match (against India in the T20 World Cup), but I must say, for a country which has not known Cricket and has started on Cricket a few years ago, the performance was fabulous. Sergio was there to enjoy the match…Sergio… pic.twitter.com/bmwimEor1u

— ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2026

Referring to India’s win by an 18 per cent margin, Goyal humorously linked the result to the tariff rate imposed by the US on certain Indian goods. The remark was delivered in an informal setting but carried a familiar message on reciprocity and market access.

Cricket Scorecard Meets Trade Talk

Speaking to guests, Goyal noted that while the United States may not have won the match, its team had performed impressively for a country where cricket is still gaining ground. He praised the rapid improvement of the US side and acknowledged the growing popularity of the sport there.

It was at this point that the minister made his quip. Noting the 18 per cent margin of victory, he suggested with a smile that trade tariffs seemed to have found their way onto the cricket scorecard. The audience responded with laughter, as the comment blended humour with a subtle policy nudge.

Light Banter With The US Ambassador

Goyal also recalled a friendly exchange with Ambassador Gor during the match. He said the envoy had pointed out the margin of defeat, prompting him to jokingly suggest that if reciprocal tariffs were set to zero, the outcome on the field might have been different.

The comment drew an amused response from the gathering and set the tone for the evening. Officials present described the exchange as an example of how informal diplomacy can open space for discussing complex economic issues without confrontation.

Message On Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Beyond the humour, Goyal used the occasion to underline the importance of deepening India-US trade relations. He said strong partnerships are built not only through negotiations but also through cultural connections and shared interests such as sport.

The minister expressed admiration for how quickly the US has embraced cricket and said such exchanges reflect the broader potential for collaboration between the two countries. His remarks suggested that while trade discussions may involve tough bargaining, goodwill and open dialogue remain essential.

The reception concluded on a cordial note, with Goyal’s cricket inspired joke serving as both entertainment and a reminder that tariffs and trade balance continue to be key talking points in the evolving India-US relationship.

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Piyush Goyal Jokes About Tariffs Using India-US T20 Match, Crowd Laughs

Referring to India’s win by an 18 per cent margin, Goyal humorously linked the result to the tariff rate imposed by the US on certain Indian goods. The remark was delivered in an informal setting but carried a familiar message on reciprocity and market access.

Cricket Scorecard Meets Trade Talk

Speaking to guests, Goyal noted that while the United States may not have won the match, its team had performed impressively for a country where cricket is still gaining ground. He praised the rapid improvement of the US side and acknowledged the growing popularity of the sport there.

It was at this point that the minister made his quip. Noting the 18 per cent margin of victory, he suggested with a smile that trade tariffs seemed to have found their way onto the cricket scorecard. The audience responded with laughter, as the comment blended humour with a subtle policy nudge.

Light Banter With The US Ambassador

Goyal also recalled a friendly exchange with Ambassador Gor during the match. He said the envoy had pointed out the margin of defeat, prompting him to jokingly suggest that if reciprocal tariffs were set to zero, the outcome on the field might have been different.

The comment drew an amused response from the gathering and set the tone for the evening. Officials present described the exchange as an example of how informal diplomacy can open space for discussing complex economic issues without confrontation.

Message On Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Beyond the humour, Goyal used the occasion to underline the importance of deepening India-US trade relations. He said strong partnerships are built not only through negotiations but also through cultural connections and shared interests such as sport.

The reception concluded on a cordial note, with Goyal’s cricket inspired joke serving as both entertainment and a reminder that tariffs and trade balance continue to be key talking points in the evolving India-US relationship.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share

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