Mumbai: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday projected India as a trusted global investment destination, highlighting the country’s economic growth, expanding trade network, manufacturing potential, and ongoing reforms aimed at attracting long-term capital and strengthening industrial development.
Delivering the keynote address virtually at the Citi India Conference 2026 in Mumbai, Goyal said India is recognised as the world’s fastest-growing economy and expressed confidence that it would maintain this position for more than two decades. He said the country has consistently turned global crises into opportunities by adapting its business processes and strategies to changing geopolitical and economic conditions.
The minister said his recent meetings with investors and business leaders in Canada and the US reflected growing international confidence in India’s economic prospects.
Referring to his visit to Canada with what he described as the largest Indian business delegation to travel there, Goyal said investors had shown strong interest in a proposed India-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA). In contrast, pension funds, insurance companies, and institutional investors expressed interest in expanding investments in India, according to an official statement.
He added that discussions with leading investment firms and nearly 50 companies in New York reinforced the perception of India as a trusted partner, a safe investment destination, and a credible manufacturing hub, backed by democratic institutions, the rule of law, technological capabilities, and a large consumer market.
According to Goyal, long-term global capital is increasingly looking towards India. He said discussions with investors in New York and Toronto repeatedly highlighted confidence in India’s future growth trajectory, adding that investors are now focused on how quickly they can participate in the country’s growth story.
To illustrate India’s long-term investment potential, Goyal cited the examples of Hyundai and JCB. He noted that Hyundai entered India in 1999 with an investment of around USD 200 million and subsequently built significant value through manufacturing operations. He also pointed to JCB’s expansion in India, saying the company now exports India-made products to nearly 130 countries while serving domestic demand.
Highlighting India’s growing integration with global markets, Goyal said the country has signed nine FTAs over the last three to three-and-a-half years, covering 38 developed economies. He said these agreements are helping expand market access, facilitate trade, support talent mobility, and attract investments, including the establishment of Global Capability Centres.
The minister informed participants that the Oman FTA came into effect on June 1. He added that at least two to three more substantive FTAs are expected to become operational within the next six months, while another three to four major trade agreements could be concluded in the coming year. He said all nine recently concluded agreements are expected to be operationalised within the next nine to ten months.
Inviting global investors to participate in India’s growth journey, Goyal said the country is not only a large consumer market but also an emerging centre for innovation, design, and advanced manufacturing. He urged investors to bring patient, long-term capital to support India’s transition towards future technologies and new industries.
