Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday responded sharply to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks on India’s manufacturing sector, expressing “sympathy” for what he termed Gandhi’s “lack of knowledge” regarding the nation’s progress.
Speaking from Washington DC, where he is currently on an official visit, Goyal remarked, “I can only sympathise with the lack of knowledge about the manufacturing story, as I don’t know which job losses he is referring to.” His comments came in response to Rahul Gandhi’s critique of job losses in the sector, a key point raised by the Congress leader in his recent speeches.
Goyal, who is India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, noted that while abroad, he prefers not to discuss domestic politics. However, he remarked that Gandhi’s repeated criticisms of the country’s progress reflect a choice “to belittle his own country.” Goyal added, “Rahul Gandhi is entitled to belittle his own country, and it is his choice.”
The minister emphasized that despite political differences, all of India is united in its commitment to improving the livelihoods of its citizens and transforming the country into a developed and prosperous nation by 2047. “We are collectively striving to improve the lives of the people of India in the coming years,” he said, highlighting India’s ambitions for economic growth.
Goyal then touched on a sensitive topic involving China’s growing economic influence. “Sadly, some individuals, possibly responsible for the growing influence of China on the Indian industry, continue to praise or defend China,” he said, in what appeared to be a veiled criticism of Gandhi’s past statements on China.
The minister highlighted the global community’s shift in attitude towards China, calling it a “non-transparent and opaque economy known for dumping goods” in foreign markets. He pointed out that even the United States has raised concerns about the security risks posed by Chinese goods and has started imposing restrictions in response.
Goyal also used the opportunity to reflect on the past, noting that India’s trade deficit with China soared from approximately $1.8 billion in 2004 to a staggering $43 billion over the next decade. “It is a matter of shame that India allowed Chinese goods to flood its markets, harming domestic manufacturing and discouraging investors,” Goyal said, criticizing past policies that he believed enabled this trade imbalance.
The minister’s remarks signal the government’s ongoing efforts to reshape India’s economic policies and encourage domestic manufacturing.