Goyal Calls Upon Startups To Help India Become Self-Reliant In Energy, Defence Sectors

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has called upon the startups to help India become self-reliant in energy and defence sectors.

Goyal said that Covid-19, a 'biggest of the century' crisis, was converted into an opportunity, wherein many Indian youth came up with innovative solutions to the problem.

While speaking at the ET Startup Awards in Bengaluru, the minister said one can find many opportunities, like even in the current war crisis.

"The present Ukraine-Russia crisis is a wakeup call for all of us, not to be dependent on crude oil and defence equipments, he said, according to a Commerce Ministry release.

He asked startups to help India become self-reliant in energy needs. Some of the startups are looking for innovative ways for indigenisation of defence equipments.

The minister also said that the present situation fits in so beautifully in the Make in India programme launched eight years ago, the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, and the outcome of Covid-19, everything collectively is helping India’s growth trajectory.

During the event, Goyal listed several illustrations where the startups could provide solutions to resolve problems.

The minister assured the startups that government was listening to their needs, and that its doors are open 24×7.

While referring to the traffic problem in Bengaluru, Goyal asked startups to find solutions to ease the traffic.