Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has asserted that India is expected to remain fiercely competitive on many products despite the current global tariff environment. This competitiveness stems from India's vast domestic market, advantages of scale, and increasing focus on innovation. Scindia highlighted that even when viewed through the lens of a comparative matrix of tariffs with other nations, India holds a favorable position.
In a recent interview, Scindia, who serves as the Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), observed that as other nations grapple with varying levels of tariffs, India is likely to emerge as significantly more competitive across a wide range of products than before. He emphasized that India's attractive domestic market has already drawn numerous global multinational companies to establish a strong presence in the country. This influx, combined with the nation's robust economic growth and the government's strong policy support for manufacturing and innovation, further strengthens India's competitive stance.
Scindia expressed confidence that regardless of the prevailing tariff environment, India will maintain its competitive edge due to economies of scale and the innovation that accompanies them, enabling it to cater effectively to its large market. He believes that India's competitive edge will hold up even when compared against other nations.
When questioned about the US tariff situation, Scindia suggested that the entire issue of tariffs should be viewed from a comparative matrix perspective. He explained that if a country that previously competed with India now faces tariffs that are double those imposed on India, the competitive landscape shifts in India's favor. Therefore, it is crucial to assess competitiveness not only from an India-centric viewpoint but also in comparison to global peers.
Scindia also noted the significant transformation India has undergone in terms of infrastructure and its position as an exporting nation, describing it as a monumental change. He underscored the importance of understanding India's current economic standing, projecting that it will become the third-largest economy by 2028. This growth will be fueled by advancements in manufacturing and exports, particularly in sectors like mobile phone production. He believes that India, through its scale, innovation, and proactive policies, will enhance its competitiveness in various sectors and foster strong economic growth despite international trade challenges.