We are entering a world where both markets and supply chains are being weaponized and in this unpredictable global order, India stands out as a trusted partner: Special Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
India is uniquely poised as a trusted global partner, a large and growing market, and a capable producer to lead the effort in building resilient, reliable, and diversified supply chains for the world. This is the time for India, and we must seize the opportunity" stated Mr Rajesh Agrawal, Special Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India at the Annual General Meeting and Annual Business Summit 2025, 29 May 2025. Mr Agrawal further stated that trade and geopolitics have historically been intertwined, but the emerging global disorder marked by over-concentrated supply chains, rising unpredictability, and the weaponization of markets is compelling businesses to rethink resilience and diversification. In this context, he underscored India’s unique value proposition as both a trusted partner and a growing market economy.
Mr Agrawal highlighted that India’s democratic institutions, strategic autonomy, and rising credibility have positioned it as a reliable anchor amidst global turbulence. As the world looks to de-risk supply chains, India offers a compelling alternative, not just as a manufacturing hub, but as a long-term partner for innovation, investment, and inclusive growth.
India’s ability to lead the next phase of global trade lies in its capacity to adapt, innovate, and deliver at scale. With the right policy support and industry commitment, the country can spearhead a new era of resilient, equitable, and sustainable commerce. He urged Indian industry to step up and build future-ready capacities that align with global needs, underscoring the private sector’s critical role in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Mr Massimo Geloso-Grosso, Head, OECD, Indonesia highlighted that “Manufacturing remains highly integrated in global value chains, while services traditionally seen as untradeable hold significant untapped potential, especially through digital trade. OECD’s role is to support countries like India with data, analysis, and tools to build resilience and craft evidence-based policies that address today’s complex geopolitical and trade challenges”.
During the session, Dr Harshavardhana Singh, Former Deputy Director General, World Trade Organisation (WTO), focussed on India’s aspirations of becoming a global trade leader and stated “We are at a true turning point in global trade where resilience, trusted markets, and the non-weaponization of supply chains are critical, and India is uniquely positioned to lead in this evolving geopolitical landscape with complete ecosystem”.
Mr Tim Thomas, CEO, Centre for Australia-India Relations stated, “Australia and India’s economies are deeply complementary, and our growing geostrategic convergence is the driving force behind a robust economic relationship with immense potential for business and people-to-people connections."
“One great contribution of Mr. Trump is that he shifted trade and tariff discussions from the corners of a business page into the front page almost on a daily basis" was stated by Mr Ajay Srivastava, Founder, Global Trade Research Initiative and Former Additional Director General, Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Mr Rajiv Memani, President Designate, CII stated “India among other emerging markets have benefited a lot from international trade, but obviously that benefit was not spread equally around the world and some populations in some parts of the world felt left behind”.
Mr Vir Advani, Chairman and Managing Director, Blue Star Limited talked about “India’s active role in securing access to crucial resources like access to critical minerals, essential for technologies such as lithium-ion batteries, solar photovoltaic cells, and magnets for wind turbines among others where India is leveraging strategic partnerships to enhance cooperation in this vital sector with FTA partners like Australia”.
29 May 2025
New Delhi