NEW DELHI, June 4 (H.S.): Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that India has emerged as one of the world’s most trusted investment destinations and is poised to remain the fastest-growing major economy for several decades.

Addressing the City India Conference 2026 in Mumbai via virtual mode, Goyal highlighted the vast investment opportunities that India offers to global investors. He also referred to the efforts of the Modi government in creating a favourable and investor-friendly environment.

He underlined India’s strong economic fundamentals, expanding manufacturing base, infrastructure development, and an increasing network of trade agreements as key pillars of investor confidence. Goyal noted that his recent interactions with investors and business leaders in Canada and the United States reflect strong global interest in India, with many viewing the country as a reliable partner and an alternative manufacturing hub.

He further emphasised India’s emergence as one of the most trusted global investment destinations and outlined ongoing government efforts to strengthen manufacturing, ease of doing business, infrastructure development, technology adoption, and global trade engagement. Referring to discussions during his visits to Toronto and New York, he said that long-term global capital is increasingly flowing towards India due to its democratic framework, rule of law, technological capabilities, and large consumer market.

He added that the proposed India–Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) received a positive response from investors, while meetings with major global investment firms further strengthened confidence in India’s growth prospects.

The Commerce Minister said India has concluded nine free trade agreements over the past three and a half years, covering 38 developed economies. These agreements have helped expand market access, facilitate investment, and promote talent mobility. He noted that the FTA with Oman came into effect on June 1 and indicated that several more trade agreements are expected to be operational in the coming months.

Goyal said India offers immense potential, scalability, and profitability through high-quality products, goods, and services designed and manufactured competitively. He reiterated that India remains an attractive destination for global investors and expressed confidence that the Indian economy, supported by 1.4 billion citizens and international partnerships, will emerge as one of the most decisive and significant growth stories of the 21st century.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar