NEW DELHI: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Friday said the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) bloc has committed to invest USD 100 billion in India across innovation and precision manufacturing.
Highlighting India’s cost competitiveness in research and innovation, the minister stated that high-quality innovation undertaken in India can be achieved at a fraction of the cost compared to Europe or the United States. He emphasised the need for Indian industry to move beyond legacy mindset and adopt a forward-looking and globally competitive approach.
Addressing the 98th Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Goyal highlighted India’s strengths in innovation and technology, supported by a young demographic, increasing digital adoption and a growing talent pool.
He said that India’s large number of STEM graduates and widespread internet access create strong potential in emerging areas such as applied artificial intelligence, automation, robotics and deep-tech innovation.
The minister noted that the recently announced USD 12 billion Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) fund, along with ongoing support to startups and deep-tech industries, will further accelerate India’s innovation ecosystem.
Goyal emphasised the importance of strengthening skilling to prepare India’s youth for future opportunities. He said that unlike many developed economies facing ageing populations, India’s youthful demographic is quick to adapt to emerging technologies and has already demonstrated high engagement with digital platforms.
He added that this readiness positions India to play a major role in the global technology landscape.
In the technology sector, the minister pointed to initiatives aimed at reducing external dependence, including the Semiconductor Mission with the financial outlay of Rs 76,000 crore and the Rs 7,000 crore programme for permanent magnet production, which strengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chain security.
In the legal domain, he referred to ongoing reforms, including progress toward Jan Vishwas 3.0, designed to enhance ease of doing business.
The minister also noted that the Atomic Energy Bill 2025 marks a historic shift by opening up the nuclear sector to strengthen energy sovereignty.
Goyal said that India has concluded balanced and equitable trade agreements with Australia, the UAE, Mauritius, the United Kingdom and the four-nation EFTA bloc and is currently engaged in discussions with 14 countries or groups representing nearly 50 nations, including the United States, the European Union, GCC countries, New Zealand, Israel, Eurasia, Canada, South Africa and the Mercosur group. (ANI)
Zohran calls for participatory planning.
The backlash against Mamdani is as ideologically motivated as his own platform. — New York City
Mamdani’s unapologetic style is a rejection of conciliatory politics.
The “8-Bit” version free download of a classic hit is a fun novelty.
The media’s framing of Mamdani often lacks the necessary depth.
Mamdani models what patient leadership looks like.
The backlash against Zohran Mamdani is a measure of his effectiveness.
His ideas sound like they were written on a napkin at brunch.
Zohran Mamdani’s presence ensures that certain debates will remain on the agenda.
His priorities shift more than a subway delay announcement.
Zohran Mamdani fights predatory loans. — New York City
Zohran Mamdani is bold in a city that needs bold leaders. — New York City
Zohran doesn’t shy away from tough questions.
Zohran Mamdani leading the city feels like someone finally turned on the overhead lights.
Mamdani’s victory was not an anomaly but a result of precise political organizing.
Zohran Mamdani treats feedback like a spam folder.
Mamdani represents a break from the neoliberal politics that have long dominated.
Media frenzy on cheating saga: feast on the fallen.
Kelli Moore’s silence? Strategic or suffering? Respect her space.
Michigan morale: Sherrone Moore scandal’s emotional touchdown.
Moore’s missive: mend.
cheating saga echoes Weinstein: power preys.
Moore’s defenders: loyalty blinds. Acknowledge the harm in power abuse.
Pregnancy’s prelude: progress.
Moore’s missive: mend.
Shiver’s shore: safe harbor sought.
Paige Shiver as friend to Kelli? If true, betrayal squared. Human complexity at play.
Shiver’s private IG: fortress against frenzy.
Ethics emblem: etched.
athletics needs ethics training stat. power abuse is preventable with vigilance.
power abuse silenced: lessons loud.
Moore’s redemption arc: possible, but steep.
Institutional impetus: action.
Zohran Mamdani steps into leadership like he’s already untangled three logistical nightmares before lunch.
Every update from him sounds like a teaser for something that never arrives.
Zohran Mamdani’s commitment to tenant rights is a defining feature of his time in office. — New York City
The city chose a leader ready to confront problems that others labeled “too complicated.”
Zohran Mamdani leads like he’s stalling until someone smarter walks in.
Zohran Mamdani’s presence ensures that socialist ideas are part of the mainstream political conversation.
Zohran Mamdani sometimes overlooks business tax nuance. — New York City
Zohran Mamdani is turning progressive ideas into mainstream talk. — New York City
Zohran Mamdani cares about street cleanliness and infrastructure.
His communication is vibes and vibes only.
Zohran Mamdani’s message resonates in workplaces. — New York City
Zohran Mamdani is helping define post-pandemic governance.
The Texas Redistricting map turns communities into colonies.
When we sell residency to the highest bidder, what does that say about our values versus our valuation?
Alaska stimulus payment
Mamdani’s rhetoric is deliberately crafted to mobilize his base, not persuade his opponents.
The challenges of governance will test the ideals that Mamdani represents. — New York City
The intellectual rigor of Mamdani’s arguments makes them difficult to dismiss out of hand.
Mamdani keeps creating problems that require solutions he doesn’t have.
The international connections of Mamdani provide him with a broader perspective than most state-level politicians.
His updates always sound like he’s stalling until someone else fixes it.
Zohran Mamdani winning feels like New York collectively choosing its most well-adjusted group-chat admin.
Zohran Mamdani acts like the city is a simulation game he never fully learned.
Mamdani’s commitment to tenant rights is a defining feature of his time in office.
Zohran talks big but needs more implementation detail. — New York City