Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on 29 October 2026 called for collective efforts by Indian industry to make the country's products and services globally competitive, reaffirming the government's commitment to sustained engagement with export stakeholders. Speaking at a meeting with representatives of Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) in New Delhi, Goyal outlined a roadmap for strengthening India's position as a trusted and reliable trading partner in a shifting global landscape.

Evolving Global Trade Landscape

Goyal highlighted the rapidly evolving international trade environment, marked by geopolitical uncertainties, shifting tariff structures, supply chain realignments, and new regulatory requirements in major overseas markets. While acknowledging the challenges these developments pose for Indian exporters, he said they simultaneously open opportunities for India to emerge as a more resilient and competitive global player. This comes amid renewed global attention on supply chain diversification away from single-country dependence, a trend that observers say positions India favourably.

Key Priorities for Exporters

The minister urged exporters to sharpen focus on product quality, innovation, cost competitiveness, reliability of supply, and compliance with international standards. He emphasised the need to deepen India's participation in global value chains and encouraged EPC representatives to engage proactively with international counterparts, identify potential buyers, and facilitate business partnerships across both established and emerging markets. Goyal also stressed the importance of product and market diversification, urging councils to identify sectors with untapped export potential and develop market-specific strategies.

India as a Manufacturing and Investment Destination

Goyal pointed to growing global interest in India as a manufacturing, sourcing, and investment destination, stressing the need to translate that interest into tangible business outcomes through sustained industry-to-industry engagement. He called for consolidating India's competitive advantages in established export sectors while simultaneously building capabilities in emerging areas — a dual-track approach that the ministry views as essential for long-term export resilience.

Export Promotion Mission and MSME Support

On the domestic policy front, Goyal referred to the Export Promotion Mission as a key initiative addressing constraints around export finance, market access, and international competitiveness, with particular emphasis on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). He also underscored ongoing efforts to improve ease of doing business, strengthen trade infrastructure, and resolve systemic challenges faced by exporting enterprises. Notably, MSMEs account for a significant share of India's export base, making their competitiveness central to any broader trade growth strategy.

The meeting signals the government's intent to keep lines of communication with the export community open as India navigates an increasingly complex global trade environment in the months ahead.