The government urged the industry to take advantage of free trade agreements (FTAs), emphasize value addition, develop resilient supply chains, and proactively diversify export markets to enhance manufacturing and reinforce the country's standing in global trade.

“Every trade agreement that India has signed is a doorway, but even beautifully designed doors do not open on their own. The industry is the one that needs to navigate through them," stated Yashvir Singh, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce.

He stated that the sector ought to leverage FTAs to broaden market access, draw in investment and technology, diversify supply chains, and create manufacturing ecosystems capable of enduring global disruptions.

The goal is not just to take part in global manufacturing but to position India as a dependable, competitive, and trustworthy partner in international value chains, he mentioned at a manufacturing conclave.

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"I present to this audience five imperatives, not merely suggestions, but essential commitments." Initially, focus on utilizing FTAs. Comprehend the criteria for origin specifications. Trace your supply chains to become eligible for preferential tariffs. The savings from duties are genuine. The competitive edge is instantaneous," he stated, further saying, advance higher in the value chain.

The proportion of capital goods in India's export mix has increased from 13 percent in 2014 to 19 percent currently, but that momentum needs to be enhanced, he stated.

He emphasized the need for enhancing supply chain resilience since China's dominance in upstream materials poses a global risk.

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"For India, it represents a chance as well." Put money into essential minerals, in API (Application Programming Interface) production, and in local electronic parts. Each supply chain we protect is a bottleneck we eliminate. Fourth, engage in active market diversification," Singh stated.

India's trade agreements with Oman, New Zealand, and Mauritius have created pathways in the Gulf, Oceania, and East Africa that were previously unavailable on advantageous terms.

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"Fifth, participate in establishing standards. The nation that sets the technical standards dominates the market. India should transition from merely accepting standards to establishing them. UPI, ONDC, and BharatNet demonstrate the potential of sovereign standards," he stated, noting that the industry must now focus on scaling up.