The North News
New Delhi, September 8
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said that India has the resilience to face any global challenge, urging businesses to embrace swadeshi and support the country’s push for self-reliance. Speaking at the 56th EEPC India National Awards, Goyal said recent international restrictions on exports of critical goods showed why India must strengthen its domestic capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. “India’s 1.4 billion people, businesses and trade must focus on Made in India products. Self-confidence is our strength, and it will only grow stronger,” he said.
The minister highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call on Independence Day for greater innovation and reliance on local products. He added that India’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) remained the backbone of the economy and would be key to the country’s growth.
Goyal said engineering exports had grown from USD 10 million in 1955 to USD 116 billion today, and expressed confidence they would continue to rise. He stressed the importance of India’s “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” motto, calling for high-quality, sustainable products to be made in India and sold worldwide.
President Droupadi Murmu, the chief guest at the ceremony, praised India’s progress in engineering exports and said they had boosted the nation’s economy and global reputation.
The minister pointed to India’s economic transformation under Modi, noting it had become one of the world’s top five economies and was the fastest growing for the last four years. He cited a 7.8% GDP growth in the last quarter, calling it a “world record”.
He said reforms including GST rate cuts and simplification had spurred demand, with infrastructure spending and consumer growth set to create new jobs and incomes. He concluded by urging businesses to pass on the benefits of reforms to consumers to ensure inclusive and equitable growth.
“When India works together as a united family, inclusive growth will naturally follow. I am confident India can become a global role model for sustainable development,” Goyal said.
