No Begging: India Will Build Own Tunnel Boring Machines If Imports Fail
Union Minister Piyush Goyal asserts India will develop its own tunnel boring machines if foreign suppliers refuse, pushing for self-reliance.
India is charting a bold course toward self-reliance in critical infrastructure and technology. Union Minister Piyush Goyal has asserted that the nation will not hesitate to develop its own indigenous tunnel boring machines if foreign suppliers refuse to provide them, signaling a shift away from dependence on external powers for essential engineering equipment.
Speaking at the Young Leaders Discourse Forum at Kirori Mal College in Delhi, the Union Minister emphasized that India's strategy is distinct from other nations. While India seeks to maintain positive diplomatic ties globally—including with China—it will not compromise its developmental needs by bowing down to foreign constraints.
Learning from the 'Rare Earth' Challenge
To illustrate this resolve, Minister Goyal pointed toward India's response to restrictions on rare earth elements. Instead of pleading with suppliers when access was limited, the government turned toward domestic innovation.
The Minister revealed that India engaged with various startups to find alternatives to rare earth-dependent technology. This collaboration has already yielded results, with some Indian startups successfully producing motors that do not rely on rare earths, yet offer quality and efficiency equal to their imported counterparts.
"When they restricted rare earths, we did not go around begging. We held a meeting with various startups in this field. Can we not build our own motors without relying on rare earths?"
A Strategic Approach to Global Trade
Beyond machinery, Goyal outlined India's sophisticated approach to international trade agreements. He described a two-pronged strategy: pushing "offensive" sectors for better market access while strictly guarding "sensitive" domestic industries.
The Offensive Strategy: Expanding Markets
India is actively seeking preferential market access for sectors where it holds a competitive edge. These include:
- Pharmaceuticals: Leveraging India's reputation as the "pharmacy of the world."
- Textiles and Leather: Expanding the reach of Indian fabrics and footwear.
- Gems and Jewellery: Utilizing India's mastery in this craft.
- Agriculture: Promoting processed foods and marine products.
The Defensive Strategy: Protecting the Grassroots
While open to trade, the Minister was firm about the "red lines" India will not cross. He stressed that the government remains extremely cautious about opening the dairy and agricultural sectors to foreign competition to protect the livelihoods of local farmers and fishermen.
Furthermore, Goyal highlighted India's strict stance against the import of genetically modified (GM) products, citing both domestic concerns and religious sensitivities. He assured the audience that India has never compromised on a single sensitive item, ensuring that MSMEs, farmers, and traditional industries remain shielded from volatile foreign competition.