Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has assured that the government is committed to ensuring Indian industries do not bear undue stress from unilateral global trade actions such as tariffs and protectionist measures. Speaking against the backdrop of escalating trade tensions, he emphasized that New Delhi will adopt both diplomatic and policy tools to safeguard exporters and manufacturers.
The statement reflects India’s intent to reinforce its resilience in the face of external shocks while maintaining its long-term export competitiveness.
Addressing Unilateral Trade Pressures
Global markets are increasingly shaped by unilateral measures, such as the recent U.S. tariff hikes on Indian exports. These actions have created uncertainty for sectors like textiles, leather, and gems & jewellery, which rely heavily on overseas demand.
Goyal underlined that the government will actively engage with trade partners while simultaneously providing support measures at home to cushion the impact on industry.
Government’s Policy Approach
The Commerce Ministry is working on a two-pronged strategy:
Diplomatic Engagements: Negotiating with global partners to reduce tariff shocks and open new market opportunities.
Domestic Support: Strengthening export promotion schemes, reducing compliance burdens, and offering targeted incentives for affected industries.
By combining diplomacy with domestic policy, India seeks to ensure that industries can withstand volatility without losing global competitiveness.
Industry Confidence and Resilience
The assurance comes at a time when Indian exporters are facing high uncertainty in global trade. The government’s proactive stance is expected to:
Boost industry confidence.
Protect jobs in labour-intensive sectors.
Signal India’s seriousness about sustaining its role in global supply chains.
This balance of defensive measures and reform-oriented policy could help India attract fresh investments even amid turbulence.
Why This Matters
For Exporters: Offers relief from immediate tariff pressures and new opportunities through diversification.
For Policymakers: Reinforces India’s commitment to trade resilience and diplomacy.
For Global Partners: Signals India’s determination to stay engaged as a reliable global trading partner.
India’s message is clear: while unilateral actions may disrupt trade flows, the government will shield industry, support competitiveness, and strengthen resilience.
