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Informist, Tuesday, Mar. 3, 2026

NEW DELHI – The government is making efforts to strengthen core capabilities and remove existing bottlenecks in the manufacturing sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday. "Focus on sectors 

like the Dedicated Rare Earth Corridors and container manufacturing is aimed at bolstering the trade ecosystem", he said in his address at the second post-Budget webinar. Friday, Modi had addressed the first such webinar.

Data released Monday showed growth in India's industrial output, as measured by the Index of Industrial Production, fell in January because of a broad-based slowdown in the pace of activity. Data by statistics ministry showed IIP growth fell to a three-month low of 4.8% in January. Manufacturing sector output, which has the highest weightage in the IIP, grew 4.8% on year in January, sharply lower than 8.4% in December. Within manufacturing, basic metals grew the most at 13.2%, followed by motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers at 10.9%.

Modi said manufacturing will drive exports while competitive micro, small and medium enterprises foster flexibility and innovation. "This year's Budget has provided great strength to all these pillars," he said.

Urging companies to invest, adopt new technology, increase investments in research, and maintain global quality standards, Modi said the world is actively seeking reliable and resilient manufacturing partners. "India has the opportunity to play this role strongly," he said.

The free trade agreements have opened massive doors of opportunity, placing a renewed responsibility on Indian industry to emphasise quality, the prime minister said. He highlighted the need to research the preferences and comfort of international consumers to create user-friendly products. "Only then will we be able to take advantage of the opportunities that are being created by Free Trade Agreements".  End

Reported by Sagar Sen

Edited by Vandana Hingorani

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