India to be worst hit if global trade falls: Suresh Prabhu

TIL Desk/World/New Delhi/ India will be the worst sufferer if international trade declines, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Tuesday, as the US ratchets up tariff war and embarks on protectionism. “India is the worst sufferer if the world trade does not grow, because we have a huge stake, our share in global trade is increasing,” Prabhu said at an industry-body event here.

“We are at a stage where more global growth will come from more production within the country,” he said. India has the potential to become a $10-trillion economy before 2035, the Minister said at the 98th Annual Session of The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham). “I have set up some top thinkers to navigate India out of these new emerging trends and how we become winners despite these challenges,” he said.

He stressed that India’s integration with international trade was critical if it were to grow at a faster rate. The government is working on improving business atmosphere in Asia’s third-largest economy. “We have to ensure that India continues to be on the forefront of growth, not only to help our people but also to contribute to global growth. So, one country growing also helps other countries as a co-beneficiary,” he said.