The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today drew attention of trade and industry bodies to the “ill-effects of not subscribing to economic nationalism”. Terming economic nationalism as “quintessentially fundamental to our economic growth”, the Vice-President called for importing only that which is “unavoidably essential”, to prevent the drain of India’s foreign exchange, loss of employment opportunities for citizens and impediments in growth of entrepreneurship.
Highlighting the need to be “Vocal for Local”, the Vice-President said that this spirit was a facet of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, and reflected the essence of the ‘Swadeshi Andolan’ during India’s freedom struggle. Addressing the Bharat Startup and MSMEs Summit at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi today, he lauded the effective performance of India’s MSME sector, and noted that it was “bringing about transformational change in tier 2 & 3 cities and in villages.”
Underlining how “affirmative governance coupled with ease of business policies and initiatives have helped in flourishing of entrepreneurship and spirit of innovation” in the country, the Vice-President called for hand-holding entrepreneurs to help optimise their performance. He also emphasised how startups and MSMEs play a key role in ensuring a “plateau-type” rise for a democratic nation like India, so that all segments of society are uplifted equitably.