India-US trade deal details will come out soon, said Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during an exclusive conversation with Times Now Group Editor-in-Chief,
Navika Kumar. She further added that trade deal details are not something that will remain in the closed files; they are public documents, and they will come out. “People will know what is being given, what is being protected, and what the retroactivity is. How much access our exports are getting, the extent of that access, and all related details will be made clear. It will also be explained when different provisions will come into effect—some immediately, some in a few months, some in a year, and some in two years. All of this information will be shared," she said while speaking about the US reducing tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent.
India–U.S. Trade Deal
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) February 3, 2026
They (Oppn) have every right to ask questions. But will they wait for the reply?: FM @nsitharaman in conversation with @navikakumar pic.twitter.com/FGHGXfjRyu
Speaking about the issue of unemployment, Finance Minister said, "Employment is an issue we are very much serious about, not just in the budget but otherwise also." She added that the Government is also working to create effective and fair matchmaking between the skills available and the jobs being offered.
"Government jobs have been getting filled since November 2022, and no sanctioned positions are being left vacant. At the same time, we are creating opportunities for people to become entrepreneurs, so that even if they do not secure traditional employment, they can run their own ventures," she said.
Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman Exclusive
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) February 3, 2026
Unemployment is an issue which we are very seriously addressing not just through budget but even otherwise...: FM @nsitharaman tells @navikakumar pic.twitter.com/1jez3S8VII
Also Read: A US Tariff Cut Just Changed The Math For India, Says Goldman Sachs: Here’s What It Means
"Addressing employment is not a one-dimensional issue. We are looking at the entire spectrum of productive work that enables people to earn a livelihood. Across sectors, we are focusing on upskilling individuals, providing them with opportunities, and exposing them to different companies through internship schemes and similar initiatives. The government has not remained passive on the needs and aspirations of the youth, says the Finance Minister.
