Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday, without directly referring to the US tariffs, said the government is committed to ensuring that industry does not face unnecessary stress or difficulties arising from unilateral actions by some countries.
He urged industry representatives to highlight sectors where alternative markets are required, assuring that the Commerce Ministry is reaching out to partners across the globe to open up new opportunities.
Minister Goyal’s remarks came while launching the curtain raiser for Bharat Buildcon 2026 in New Delhi, in the presence of industry leaders across India.
Addressing the gathering, Goyal emphasised that, alongside global outreach, boosting domestic consumption remains a priority. The upcoming GST Council meeting, he noted, is expected to provide measures that will quickly stimulate demand and give a strong boost to domestic manufacturing.
The Minister said the Government is focused on supporting industry so that no sector is left behind—whether in accessing international markets or strengthening domestic opportunities.
He also encouraged active participation in Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to ensure India emerges as a trusted supplier of high-quality products.
Underscoring India’s rising global position, Minister Goyal asserted with confidence that this year’s exports will be higher than last year’s, reflecting the growing competitiveness and resilience of the Indian industry.
He highlighted India’s expanding network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with developed countries, including Australia, the UAE, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and the UK, with negotiations ongoing with the European Union and others.
These agreements, he said, will further open global opportunities for Indian industries such as construction, steel, and allied sectors.
Further, the Commerce Minister highlighted that several developed countries are eager to expand trade relations with India, noting that nations such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have expressed keen interest in entering into Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with India.
He emphasised that such partnerships will not only provide a major boost to India’s export opportunities and global market integration but also complement the country’s efforts in scaling up its clean energy and manufacturing capabilities.
The minister also highlighted the vast export potential in steel and iron ore, noting that India could export 15 million tonnes of steel annually, strengthening its export basket with high-quality, competitively priced products.