Piyush Goyal Calls for Swadeshi Focus, Atmanirbhar Bharat to Drive Inclusive Growth

New Delhi, September 8: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said on Monday India has the strength to overcome any global crisis and must rely on swadeshi products and Atmanirbhar Bharat to secure long-term growth. Addressing the 56th EEPC India National Awards, Goyal emphasised that businesses dependent on imports should explore ways to procure and manufacture products domestically, reinforcing the nation’s financial security.

Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address, he said the clarion call for swadeshi is not just a slogan but a national mission. “India’s 1.4 billion people, businesses and trade must come together to focus on Made in India products. Atmanirbhar Bharat is a call to action we must all accept,” he stated.

Exports as a Growth Engine

President Droupadi Murmu, who graced the event as Chief Guest, lauded India’s engineering export journey, underlining how it has strengthened the economy and elevated the country’s global standing. Goyal highlighted that India’s engineering exports grew from USD 10 million in 1955 to USD 116 billion today, demonstrating the sector’s ability to drive growth and create new opportunities.

He reiterated that India’s backbone lies in trade and the MSME sector, adding that “India’s self-confidence is strong, and we will not bow before anyone.”

Trusted Global Partner

The Minister underlined India’s commitment to “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” manufacturing — ensuring that quality products made in India reach global markets without harming the environment. He said India is now considered a trusted global partner, ranking among the top three nations for sustainability efforts over consecutive years. With strong commitments under the Paris Agreement, India continues to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.

Economic Transformation

Reflecting on India’s economic trajectory, Goyal said that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the country has risen from the ranks of the “fragile five” to become one of the world’s top five economies. He pointed out that India has remained the fastest-growing economy for four consecutive years, registering 7.8 percent GDP growth in the last quarter — a figure he described as a global record.

GST reforms, particularly rate cuts and simplification, have provided a significant boost to domestic demand, he noted. With increased consumer spending and infrastructure investment, Goyal said India is on an unstoppable path towards becoming a world economic power.

Inclusive and Sustainable Growth

Concluding his address, Goyal stressed that the benefits of reforms such as GST rate cuts must be equitably passed on to consumers, ensuring inclusive prosperity. He expressed confidence that India, working together as one family, can become a global role model for sustainable and inclusive development.