Sustainability Non-Negotiable in India’s Growth Journey: Goyal

• Piyush Goyal: “Sustainability is non-negotiable in India’s growth journey.”
• Urges harmonised global standards to boost trade, quality, and cooperation.
• Reaffirms India’s Paris Agreement commitments and circular economy goals.
• Promotes PM Modi’s “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” vision for quality and sustainability.
• Electrical & electronic industry identified as crucial for energy efficiency.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 15th Sept: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday declared that “sustainability is non-negotiable in India’s growth journey,” stressing that the country’s development model is rooted in harmony with nature and backed by strong quality standards.

Speaking at the inauguration of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) General Meeting Exhibition organised by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Goyal said India’s culture intrinsically respects the environment. “India believes in learning from the developed world and from high-quality standards that help economies prosper,” he noted, adding that global cooperation on standards will strengthen trade and economic growth.

The Minister underlined that harmonising international standards enhances product quality, expands open markets and enables free, fair trade. He welcomed global experts at the IEC forum, expressing confidence that their deliberations would enrich efforts to adopt advanced standards and promote consumer safety.

Highlighting India’s commitment to its Paris Agreement targets and circular economy principles, Goyal said sustainability is a matter of conviction, not compulsion. He cited the government’s use of Quality Control Orders (QCOs)—including for toys—as proof that strict standards can end substandard imports, reduce waste and lower costs while improving efficiency.

Invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Zero Defect, Zero Effect,” Goyal said the government is working in mission mode to foster a nationwide culture of quality and environmental responsibility. “The day is not far when the world will proudly say, ‘Design in India, Made in India,’” he added.

Goyal also spotlighted the electrical and electronic industry as a key driver of energy efficiency and sustainable solutions, predicting that India’s transition from electrical to electronic systems will cut energy use and pollution while delivering high-quality products.

Concluding his address, the Minister called for global collaboration to build “a standardized, safe, and sustainable future” where harmonised standards protect consumers and the planet alike.