‘India must fast-track reforms, strengthen industrial base & become trusted global alternative’

C K Govil, President, The Air Cargo Agents Association of India said, “The recent 25 per cent tariff imposed by the U.S. on Indian exports underscores the urgent need for India to accelerate its journey toward self-reliance. Under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative aims to make India a globally competitive, resilient economy by 2047. This move by the U.S. reinforces the importance of building strong domestic manufacturing capabilities, diversifying export markets and reducing import dependencies—especially in sectors like electronics, energy and defence. Rather than viewing this tariff as a setback, India can seize it as a catalyst to fast-track reforms, strengthen its industrial base and become a trusted global alternative. A self-reliant India is not about isolation—it is about resilience, innovation, and global integration on India’s own terms.’