Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Monday reaffirmed India’s commitment to sustainability, calling it a “non-negotiable” pillar of the country’s growth story.
Speaking at the inauguration of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) General Meeting Exhibition organized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Goyal emphasized that India’s development model is rooted in harmony with nature and long-term environmental responsibility.
“Every Indian intrinsically believes in respecting nature. Sustainability is not a compulsion for us, but a way of life,” Goyal said, stressing that India’s growth strategy places equal focus on quality, sustainability, and consumer welfare.
The Minister highlighted the importance of global cooperation in setting high-quality standards, saying such efforts harmonize practices, facilitate free trade, and create opportunities for stronger international collaboration. “Good standards are the need of the hour for a developing country like India, as they provide the foundation for growth both at the national level and for contributing to international progress,” he said.
Goyal underlined that quality standards not only boost product reliability and competitiveness but also lower costs by reducing wastage and improving operational efficiency. He cited the success of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) in sectors like toys, which have eliminated substandard products, encouraged local manufacturing, and enhanced consumer safety.
Referring to India’s climate commitments, Goyal said that the country is steadfast in meeting its nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement and has further strengthened its goals through successive COP announcements. “India does this not because of external pressure, but out of a genuine commitment to sustainability,” he said, adding that principles like circular economy, waste reduction, and resource conservation are integral to India’s long-term development vision.
Invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Zero Defect, Zero Effect,” Goyal said the government is working to build a nationwide culture of quality and sustainability, ensuring that Indian products are both world-class and environmentally responsible. “The day is not far when the world will proudly say – ‘Design in India, Made in India,’ and such products will be trusted globally as symbols of reliability and excellence,” he said.
The Minister also noted the growing importance of the electrical and electronics industry in driving energy efficiency and sustainability, adding that India’s transition from electrical to electronic solutions will play a key role in reducing energy consumption and supporting climate action.
Calling for global cooperation, Goyal urged stakeholders to work together toward a standardized, safe, and sustainable future. “Harmonized standards can drive growth, protect consumers, and safeguard the planet for generations to come,” he concluded.