'If You'd Zero Tariffs, US Would’ve Won India Match’: Piyush Goyal’s Cricket Quip Amuses Sergio Gor

Last Updated:February 09, 2026, 21:15 IST

Referring to the India-USA T20 World Cup match, Piyush Goyal praised the American team’s performance despite their limited history with the sport.

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

Referring to the India-USA match, Goyal praised the American team’s performance despite their 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," he said, adding that Ambassador Gor was present to enjoy the game.

Sharing a humorous exchange from the evening, Goyal said Gor had pointed out that the US 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 eventually sealed a hard-fought victory, restricting the US to 132 for eight while chasing a target of 162, falling short by 30 runs, or 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.

He credited the envoy’s personal involvement and leadership for helping 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, the two sides recently announced the framework of trade deal, with the US deciding to reduce tariffs on Indian exports to 18 per cent, placing India in a relatively favourable position compared to competitors such as China, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Vietnam.

In August 2025, US President Donald Trump had announced a 25 per cent tariff on Indian exports, along with an additional 25 per cent punitive levy linked to India’s purchases of Russian crude oil and defence equipment.

The revised agreement lowers the overall tariff burden to 18 per cent, with US officials indicating that the penalty linked to Russian energy imports would also be withdrawn.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the development, saying he was pleased that “Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18 per cent," calling it a boost for Indian exporters and bilateral trade.

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