VOI World/ Desk
India should not become a conduit for goods originating in another country through minimal processing or transshipment, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said, stressing the need for genuine value addition and stronger country-of-origin rules.
Goyal’s remarks come as the United States has increased scrutiny of what it describes as a “shadow transshipment network” involving countries through which Chinese-origin goods could potentially enter the US while avoiding tariffs.
Speaking at a workshop on leveraging free trade agreements, Goyal said India must remain a trusted trading partner and ensure that its country-of-origin certificates carry credibility. He said exports from India should involve genuine domestic value addition rather than simply passing goods from one country to another.
The issue has gained importance amid ongoing India-US trade negotiations. Goyal said India would finalise the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement with Washington only when Indian exporters receive a preferential tariff rate compared with competing economies.
India is also expanding its wider network of trade agreements. Goyal said the government is pursuing deals with major economies and trade blocs to increase market access for Indian exporters, while continuing efforts to review and expand existing agreements.
The minister’s comments underline a broader challenge for India as global supply chains shift amid US-China trade tensions. While New Delhi seeks to attract manufacturing and strengthen exports, it is also trying to ensure that India is seen as a genuine production base rather than a route for goods produced elsewhere.
