Make in India must move from a domestic manufacturing push to a globally recognized business brand, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said at the inaugural Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav in New Delhi. He urged Indian businesses to focus on quality, design, fair trading practices and sustainability while expanding into international markets.
Goyal said India’s growing global trade engagement is creating new opportunities for businesses. He noted that nine free trade agreements have opened preferential market access for Indian industry. India is also targeting a $1 trillion export milestone in the current financial year.
Make in India Needs a Stronger Global Business Identity
Goyal called for collective efforts to strengthen the Make in India brand. He said Indian products should be recognized not only for being manufactured domestically but also for their quality, design and brand value.
He urged businesses to move beyond limited domestic markets and build a stronger presence overseas. Greater consumer demand for Indian products, he said, can encourage higher production, improve economies of scale and make Indian companies more competitive.
The Minister highlighted the contribution of MSMEs, startups, farmers, fishermen, employees, entrepreneurs and the services sector to India’s export ecosystem.
India’s combined goods and services exports reached $863 billion in FY26, according to figures cited by Goyal. Merchandise exports stood at about $441.78 billion, while services exports reached about $421.32 billion.
Global Markets Create New Opportunities for Indian Businesses
Goyal said the government is working to expand market access through trade agreements. He noted that India has been pursuing FTAs with major economies to give Indian exporters better access to overseas markets.
The Minister said India’s economic expansion also creates opportunities for businesses to scale. He highlighted the government’s vision of building a $30 trillion economy by 2047.
He said achieving this scale will require participation from businesses, entrepreneurs and citizens across sectors.
For Indian companies, the opportunity extends beyond exports. Stronger manufacturing capabilities, better products and greater integration with global markets can help businesses build long-term international competitiveness.
Make in India Push Extends to Circular Economy
Goyal also urged businesses to adopt fair trading practices and improve manufacturing standards. He called for greater attention to recycling, reuse and circular economy principles.
Sustainability, he said, is becoming increasingly important as businesses respond to climate-related challenges and changing consumer expectations.
The Minister encouraged companies to digitise their operations and adopt good manufacturing practices. These measures can improve productivity, strengthen supply chains and help Indian businesses compete more effectively in international markets.
A stronger focus on resource efficiency could also create new opportunities for businesses operating in recycling, waste management, sustainable manufacturing and related sectors.
Swadeshi and Globalisation to Work Together
Goyal linked the push for Swadeshi with India’s ambition to expand its global economic footprint. He said products made in India should not remain limited to domestic consumption.
He called for greater participation by Indian consumers in domestic products. Higher demand can help businesses expand production, achieve scale and become more competitive.
The Minister also pointed to initiatives launched since 2014, including Digital India, Startup India and Stand-Up India. He said these programmes, along with large-scale infrastructure development, have helped create a stronger ecosystem for businesses and young entrepreneurs.
He also highlighted the role of skill development in preparing the workforce for emerging opportunities. Young Indians returning after education or gaining new skills can bring fresh ideas and solutions to business and industrial challenges.
India Targets $1 Trillion in Exports
India has set a target of achieving $1 trillion in combined goods and services exports in the current financial year. Goyal has described the target as a national mission, with the government seeking stronger participation from industry and other stakeholders.
The Minister said India’s export growth and expanding trade relationships provide a strong foundation for this ambition. However, businesses will need to focus on quality, productivity, innovation and global competitiveness to sustain the momentum.
The broader objective is to take Indian products and services further into international markets. For businesses, this creates opportunities to scale operations, diversify markets and become part of global value chains.
Goyal said the collective efforts of Indian businesses, MSMEs, startups, farmers, workers and entrepreneurs will be central to India’s economic ambitions. The Make in India initiative, he said, must ultimately translate into globally trusted Indian products and services.
