Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia painted a vivid picture of India’s economic future, where infrastructure development and international trade reinforce one another in a powerful feedback loop. Addressing entrepreneurs and policymakers, he argued that strategic investments in roads, ports, and airports are not just building blocks—they’re trade multipliers.
Drawing from real-world examples, Scindia showcased how the UDAN scheme has connected remote regions, boosting local economies and exports. ‘Trade doesn’t thrive in isolation; it needs the backbone of development,’ he remarked, citing a 15% rise in merchandise exports linked to better connectivity.
The speech delved into macroeconomic trends, including India’s climb in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings. Scindia credited regulatory reforms for drawing foreign players into manufacturing and services sectors.
He didn’t shy away from challenges, acknowledging supply chain disruptions but positioning India as a resilient alternative. With initiatives like the Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the government aims to integrate 16 ministries for seamless logistics.
Stakeholders reacted positively, with FICCI praising the minister’s holistic approach. As bilateral trade agreements with key partners advance, Scindia’s words resonate: development fuels trade, and trade sustains development.
Looking ahead, Scindia called for public-private partnerships to amplify this synergy, envisioning India as a global trade powerhouse by 2030.
