India, Sept. 7 -- Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday said that the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms were not dictated by any external factors, including the imposition of 50% tariffs by the United States.

Addressing the media, Vaishnaw said the reforms were in the works for over a year and have nothing to do with any external factors. It was a promise Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made from the ramparts of the Red Fort during Independence Day that has now "been fulfilled", he added.

"The preparation for GST reforms had started about one-and-a-half years ago...before the US elections. This initiative was taken in line with PM Modi's clear goal of reform, perform, and transform. This GST reform will start a transfor...