Union Minister Nitin Gadkari underscored a paradigm shift towards bolstering exports and curbing imports as the contemporary expression of patriotism and 'swadeshi.' Speaking at the 'Sagar Manthan 2.0' event organized by 'Panchjanya' magazine, he envisioned a future where India attains a profound sense of liberation by completely halting the import of petrol and diesel.
Gadkari passionately linked the cessation of petrol and diesel imports to the global fight against terrorism, firmly stating, "As long as this import persists, global terrorism will persist." His life's mission revolves around eradicating this import dependency, envisioning it as a critical milestone in India's journey towards self-sufficiency.
Highlighting the staggering import bill of petrol and diesel, currently standing at Rs 16 lakh crore, Gadkari articulated a compelling vision where redirecting these funds towards domestic utilization could uplift the underprivileged. The integration of alternative fuels like biofuel emerges as a strategic step to curb imports and stimulate indigenous production.
Shifting focus to the automobile industry, Gadkari illuminated its exponential growth, from Rs 7 lakh crore to Rs 12.5 lakh crore during his tenure, employing a workforce of 4.5 crore individuals. Emphasizing its pivotal role in contributing substantial GST revenues to both state and central governments, he projected India's ascent to the pinnacle of the global automobile sector within the next five years.
Citing India's recent leap from seventh to third place in automobile exports, Gadkari exuded confidence, asserting a trajectory towards claiming the top spot within the forthcoming half-decade. He attributed this ambitious outlook to India's initiatives such as 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) and 'sushaasan' (good governance), envisaging a future where India emerges as a preeminent global exporter, aligned with its aspirations for a robust economy.
