"Every Indian looks up to him with pride": Piyush Goyal pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi in Illinois
Union Minister Piyush Goyal honors Mahatma Gandhi in the US, recalling his ideals of non-violence and cleanliness during his visit to Illinois.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal paid a heartfelt tribute to Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to the United States, honoring the Father of the Nation's enduring legacy. While visiting the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Sculpture in Skokie, Illinois, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Goyal emphasized that the Mahatma's philosophy remains a cornerstone of the nation's identity.
A Legacy of Non-Violence and Cleanliness
Speaking on the profound impact of the Mahatma, Goyal noted that Gandhi's principles have left an indelible mark on India's history. He specifically highlighted the core values of non-violence and cleanliness, stating that these ideals continue to define the very essence of the Indian ethos.
"Every Indian looks up to him with pride," Goyal remarked, reflecting on how Gandhi's teachings continue to inspire generations. He further pointed out the global resonance of Gandhian philosophy, noting how civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. drew significant inspiration from these ideals while fighting for justice in America.
India's Stance at the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting
Goyal's visit to the United States was primarily centered around the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During these high-level discussions regarding the multilateral trading system, the Minister represented India's interests with significant emphasis on equity and fairness.
Upholding the Most-Favoured-Nation Principle
A key highlight of the meeting was Goyal's intervention regarding the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) principle. He expressed India's firm position that MFN treatment should remain a standard guarantee, ensuring that even the smallest trader receives the same favorable terms as the largest players in the market.
Goyal cautioned against making MFN treatment conditional on obligations chosen by specific members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). He stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced multilateral trading system to foster:
- Increased confidence among global trading partners
- Greater predictability in international commerce
- Enhanced inclusiveness for all member nations
Addressing Trade Distortions and Capacity Concerns
The Minister also addressed global concerns regarding trade distortions and structural excess capacity. He advocated for a WTO-compliant approach to tackle issues such as dumping and predatory pricing. He argued that such concerns should be resolved through established multilateral rules, including anti-dumping and countervailing duties, which must be based on evidence and subject to judicial review.
Furthermore, Goyal defended India's economic structure, noting that as a domestic-demand-driven economy serving approximately 1.4 billion people, India does not possess the structural excess capacity in the sectors identified by the G20 Presidency.