Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, announced that the government is planning to establish 20 industrial smart cities and is actively working on dedicated freight corridors to boost industrial and logistical infrastructure. Highlighting India’s growing prominence, he stated that the country has become the world’s most attractive destination for Global Capability Centers (GCCs), a development largely driven by its focus on green energy initiatives.
When asked about discussions with global companies, Goyal clarified that no specific negotiations have been held with Tesla or Starlink, as such engagements are managed by the relevant industries. On the international front, he expressed confidence in India’s ongoing collaboration with the Trump administration, indicating no foreseeable challenges in this partnership.
Addressing the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Goyal reaffirmed that India’s stance on the deal remains unchanged. He added that the UK has requested additional time to advance the negotiations.The minister also lauded the success of the 'Make in India' initiative, emphasizing how it has reinforced the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) over the past decade. He highlighted significant progress in self-reliance, particularly in the defense sector, where exports have been steadily rising.