Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday expressed sharp disappointment over what he described as the “weakness” of certain sections of Indian industry, accusing them of resisting even minor import competition while seeking open access to global markets.
Speaking at an industry event, Goyal said he was disheartened by how domestic manufacturers react when small import quotas are discussed during trade negotiations.
“It’s another matter that your industry sometimes demonstrates so much weakness that even giving you a minor quota of one or two, three percent of our consumption in India, you’ll make a big fuss and you will cry about it. And I feel very disappointed when that happens,” Goyal remarked.
Calls out double standards on free trade
The minister further said that such reactions reflect poorly on Indian industry, noting that it shows the industry in "very poor light".
“It shows you in very poor light, it shows weakness. When I try to understand how two or three percent imports hurt 100% of your domestic market demand or pricing, I’m given very ridiculous responses,” he said.
Goyal’s comments came in the context of ongoing efforts to negotiate Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with several major countries, including the United States and the European Union. The BJP leader underlined that while Indian businesses seek easier access abroad, they must also be prepared to face measured competition at home.
“Ultimately, when we have to do FTAs, we will need support from all sectors. It cannot be that we want open markets everywhere but our industry is left out when you open up the Indian market. That can’t work,” he asserted.
Speaking at an industry event, Goyal said he was disheartened by how domestic manufacturers react when small import quotas are discussed during trade negotiations.
“It’s another matter that your industry sometimes demonstrates so much weakness that even giving you a minor quota of one or two, three percent of our consumption in India, you’ll make a big fuss and you will cry about it. And I feel very disappointed when that happens,” Goyal remarked.
Our Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is absolutely right. We can’t demand open access to global markets while hiding behind tariff walls at home. Competitiveness comes from exposure and courage, not protection. Time for Indian industry to drop the crutches and start running. 🇮🇳💪 pic.twitter.com/SzP2oGQ3c1
— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) October 16, 2025
Calls out double standards on free trade
The minister further said that such reactions reflect poorly on Indian industry, noting that it shows the industry in "very poor light".
“It shows you in very poor light, it shows weakness. When I try to understand how two or three percent imports hurt 100% of your domestic market demand or pricing, I’m given very ridiculous responses,” he said.
Goyal’s comments came in the context of ongoing efforts to negotiate Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with several major countries, including the United States and the European Union. The BJP leader underlined that while Indian businesses seek easier access abroad, they must also be prepared to face measured competition at home.
“Ultimately, when we have to do FTAs, we will need support from all sectors. It cannot be that we want open markets everywhere but our industry is left out when you open up the Indian market. That can’t work,” he asserted.
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