An attempt has been made to apply the Taguchi parameter design method and multi-response optimization using desirability analysis for optimizing the cutting conditions (cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut) on machining forces while finish turning of AISI 4340 steel using developed yttria based zirconia toughened alumina inserts. These zirconia toughened alumina inserts were prepared through wet chemical co-precipitation route followed by powder metallurgy process. The L₉ (4) orthogonal array of the Taguchi experiment is selected for three major parameters, and based on the mean response and signal-to-noise ratio of measured machining forces, the optimal cutting condition arrived for feed force is A₁, B₁ and C₃ (cutting speed: 150 m/min, depth of cut: 0.5 mm and feed rate: 0.28 mm/rev) and for thrust and cutting forces is A₃, B₁ and C₁ (cutting speed: 350 m/min, depth of cut: 0.5 mm and feed rate: 0.18 mm/rev) considering the smaller-the-better approach. Multi-response optimization using desirability function has been applied to minimize each response, that is, machining forces, simultaneously by setting a goal of highest cutting speed and feed rate criteria. From this study, it can be concluded that the optimum parameters can be set at cutting speed of 350 m/min, depth of cut of 0.5 mm and feed rate of 0.25 mm/rev for minimizing the forces with 78% desirability level.