NICE, FRANCE – India's Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, has issued a compelling call to action for international investors, corporates, and venture capital funds, urging them to seize the present moment and invest in India before opportunities diminish. Speaking at the closing ceremony of ‘Bharat Innovates 2026’ in Nice, France, on June 16, 2026, Goyal highlighted India's prepared investment ecosystem, vast domestic market, and supportive policy framework.
Goyal's Urgent Call to Action
"The time is now, get into action and start investing before it is too late," Goyal stated, addressing investors and venture funds. He underscored the phenomenal work being done by Indian startups and the availability of tried and tested models within the country's large market. The Minister affirmed the government's commitment to connecting investors with suitable market opportunities and leveraging existing policy frameworks.
He further elaborated, "The ecosystem is ready... Government will help connect you to the market. The policy framework is available. Get open to ideas on that front and invest in the future that India offers to the world."
Boosting Domestic Industry and Research
Beyond foreign investment, Goyal also appealed to India's domestic industry to actively support startups, particularly by forming partnerships in the manufacturing sector. This collaboration, he noted, would position India as a launchpad for global market destinations.
In the realm of innovation, Goyal urged researchers, academia, and higher educational institutions to embark on joint Research and Development (R&D) programs. Such initiatives, he believes, would significantly accelerate scientific discovery and facilitate a quicker transition of Indian innovations from laboratories to the market.
Leveraging Trade and Attracting Talent
The Minister also encouraged businesses to fully utilize India's recently finalized free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand their global reach. Furthermore, he sought suggestions for enhancing the ease of doing business in India and devising strategies to encourage Indian startups, researchers, and innovators working abroad to return and contribute to the nation's growth.
"How can we make the path of coming back to India to serve our motherland? How can we encourage so many young men and women researchers and innovators who’ve been working for others for developing technologies? How can we help bring them back to India? How do we attract them?" Goyal questioned, emphasizing the importance of repatriating talent.
Goyal also mentioned the government's ongoing support for the startup ecosystem through various measures, including a dedicated startup action plan. He highlighted that nearly the entire second tranche of the ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds scheme is earmarked for deep tech innovators and entities, signaling a strong focus on advanced technological development.