Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Amitabh Kant Urges India to Beat China Through Competitiveness
Amitabh Kant says India should compete more strongly with China instead of relying on protectionism.
He wants Indian companies to make batteries, clean technology and other advanced products.
He believes China’s economic growth will slow, giving India a chance to grow faster.
Kant says the world economy is changing because of conflicts, tariffs and new industrial policies.
He also says artificial intelligence could make workers and businesses much more productive.
India has made trade deals that open access to 55 foreign markets.
But companies in those markets can also sell products in India.
Kant says Indian businesses must become competitive so they can sell abroad and protect their position at home.
Amitabh Kant urged Indian industry to move beyond protectionism and become more competitive.
He called for investment in batteries, clean technology and other technologies of the future.
Kant said geopolitical conflict, tariffs and protectionist industrial policies are reshaping global trade.
He argued that artificial intelligence could drive the greatest productivity increase in history.
Kant said India’s trade deals open 55 markets, but warned foreign products could also enter India if domestic firms remain uncompetitive.
- Who
- Amitabh Kant and Indian industry.
- What
- Kant urged India to reject protectionism, invest in future technologies and compete more effectively with China.
- When
- At a BT India@100 conversation; the article does not specify the date.
- Where
- The conversation’s location is not specified.
- Why
- Kant said global trade is becoming more protectionist while artificial intelligence and India’s trade deals create opportunities for faster growth.
- Speaker
- Amitabh Kant
- Main recommendation
- Indian industry should become more competitive rather than rely on protectionism.
- Priority sectors
- Battery manufacturing, clean technology and future technologies.
- Global shift
- Kant described rising conflict, weaponised tariffs and protectionist industrial policies.
- Artificial intelligence
- Kant said AI could produce the greatest rise in productivity the world has seen.
- Trade access
- India has struck multiple trade deals covering 55 markets, according to Kant.
- Warning to industry
- If Indian companies do not become competitive, foreign products could flood the Indian market.