Union Minister Nitin Gadkari championed a national agenda focused on boosting exports and reducing imports during the ‘Sagar Manthan 2.0’ event. Gadkari framed this economic strategy as a symbol of patriotism and “swadeshi,” envisioning it as a “new freedom” for India.
He emphasised the crucial link between halting petrol and diesel imports and addressing global terrorism, stating that until these imports cease, global terrorism will persist.
Gadkari highlighted the current import bill for petrol and diesel at Rs 16 lakh crore and proposed redirecting these funds, saved through import reduction, towards poverty alleviation.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to alternative fuels like biofuel as part of this import reduction strategy. Gadkari also outlined a vision for India to become the world’s leading automobile exporter in the next five years, building on recent achievements in global automobile exports.
He expressed confidence in India’s journey toward becoming a USD five trillion economy, emphasising the need to secure the top position in exports for sustained growth.
