In a powerful address marking the Foundation Day of FICCI in Mumbai, Union Commerce & Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal urged Indian industry leaders to harness the current global disruptions as springboards for long-term national gain. Citing India’s previous success stories—most notably during the Y2K crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic—Goyal emphasized that India stands at a similar inflection point today.
“We must turn adversity into opportunity, just as we have in the past,” Goyal declared, underscoring a call to action for Indian enterprises to adopt a nationalist and collaborative approach. “We need to support each other. We need to have a nationalist outlook.”
The Minister highlighted the importance of collective industry action and resilient supply chains, particularly in light of recent geopolitical disruptions. “Low-cost imports might look appealing today, but they threaten long-term sustainability,” he warned, pointing to the global consequences of over-dependence on singular geographies for critical supplies.
Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s historic 1931 address to FICCI, Goyal encouraged industry leaders to draw inspiration from nationalistic values. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat, reiterating the government’s focus on inclusive economic progress and empowering every citizen.
Goyal also identified India’s demographic dividend, expanding consumer base, and rapidly growing economy as unprecedented levers for growth. “From a $4 trillion economy today, India is poised to reach $30–35 trillion in the next 25 years. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said.
Asserting the need for quality over quantity, the Minister urged businesses to steer clear of predatory pricing and short-term thinking. “Be a part of the solution, be a part of this moment in history. If we all come together with determination, India is unstoppable,” he concluded.