New Delhi | October 14, 2026
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said India was left disappointed by international partners during the COVID-19 pandemic, when global supply chain disruptions made it difficult to obtain essential medical supplies and vaccines. He said the experience reinforced India’s push towards self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi, Goyal highlighted the challenges India faced in sourcing personal protective equipment (PPE), COVID-19 testing kits and vaccines for its large population.
Goyal Highlights Shortages During the Pandemic
Goyal said India struggled to secure adequate supplies when international supply chains were disrupted. He also claimed that Western countries refused to facilitate access to Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for the Indian market, despite India’s willingness to relax certain conditions.
He described the experience as a reminder of the risks associated with excessive dependence on international suppliers during a global emergency.
India’s Vaccine and Humanitarian Assistance
The minister also highlighted India’s assistance to other countries during the pandemic. According to Goyal, India supplied medicines, food grains and vaccines to more than 100 countries.
He argued that these efforts demonstrated India’s willingness to support international partners, even as the country faced difficulties obtaining some supplies for its own needs.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Gains Strategic Importance
Goyal linked the pandemic experience to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for Atmanirbhar Bharat, which seeks to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce excessive dependence on imports in critical sectors.
He said India wants to balance self-sufficiency with international cooperation by building reliable partnerships and more resilient supply chains.
The strategy is intended to improve the availability of essential goods while allowing India to remain connected to global markets.
India Seeks Wider Trade Partnerships
Goyal said India continues to pursue trade agreements with several international partners, aiming to expand market access for Indian businesses while ensuring reciprocal opportunities abroad.
He emphasised that trust and cooperation would remain important as India works to strengthen its position in global supply chains. The comments reflect the government’s focus on combining domestic manufacturing capabilities with international trade and investment.
