Strengthen Technology and Economy to Counter Aggressive Actions by Foreign Countries, Argues Gadkari in Response to US Tariffs
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari delivered a powerful speech at the Annual Prestigious Oration Program in Memory of Dr Prof VG Bhidel, emphasizing the importance of reducing India's dependence on other countries by strengthening domestic science and technology capabilities.
Gadkari stressed that economic strength and technological advancement are key to preventing any form of external "bullying" and to asserting India's global position. He highlighted the need to focus on self-reliance and global welfare, a significant aspect of India's foreign policy strategy.
The Minister's comments come in the wake of the US President, Donald Trump, imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, raising the total tariff to 50%. India strongly opposes the tariffs, calling them unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable. The country argues that it is being singled out unfairly, as the European Union recorded significant trade with Russia despite the Ukraine conflict, yet faces no such penalties.
Gadkari believes that by leveraging science and technology, India can boost industrial growth and exports. He announced that India's logistics costs are projected to drop to single digits by the end of 2026, down from the current 14-16%, which will significantly boost the country's export competitiveness.
The Minister also asserted that nations resort to "dadagiri" (bullying) due to their economic strength and technological edge. He suggested that if India improves its technology and resources, it would focus on the welfare of the world, not dominance.
In summary, Gadkari’s views focus on: - Leveraging science and technology to boost industrial growth and exports - Reducing imports to decrease dependence on other countries - Lowering logistics costs to enhance export competitiveness - Building economic and technological strength to withstand international trade challenges like tariffs
Gadkari's speech at the Annual Prestigious Oration Program was a platform for significant discussions on various topics, continuing the tradition of fostering thoughtful dialogues on critical issues facing India and the world.
[1] Leveraging Science and Technology for Industrial Growth and Exports [2] Reducing Imports to Decrease Dependence on Other Countries [3] Lowering Logistics Costs to Enhance Export Competitiveness [4] Building Economic and Technological Strength to Withstand Trade Challenges [5] Shifting Focus from Dependence to Strengthening Exports, Economy, and Growth Rate
- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized the importance of leveraging science and technology to boost industrial growth and exports during his speech, believing it could help India become less dependent on other countries.
- In light of international trade challenges such as tariffs, Gadkari suggested that India should focus on building economic and technological strength to withstand such bullying tactics.
- Gadkari also highlighted the need for reducing imports and lowering logistics costs in order to decrease dependence on other countries, thus increasing export competitiveness.
