‘World's long-term capital is looking at India’: Global investors betting big, says Piyush Goyal

India’s growth story has continued to draw interest from investors across the globe, Union commerce minister and industry minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday. Speaking at the Citi India Conference 2026, Goyal said his recent interactions with international investors reflected strong confidence in India's future prospects.

"Every conversation that I had reinforced one truth. The world's long-term capital is looking at India and the opportunities that India presents," he said.

The minister said the country is expected to remain the world's fastest-growing economy for more than the next two decades. “India will continue to be the world's fastest-growing economy for over two decades into the future.” According to him, investors are no longer asking whether they should invest in India, but how quickly they can become part of its growth journey.

To explain the opportunities available in the country, Goyal cited the example of South Korean carmaker Hyundai, which entered India in 1999 with an investment of $200 million when infrastructure was still developing.

He said Hyundai started manufacturing vehicles in India a few years later and continued expanding its operations. Over the last 10 years, the company has generated more than $12-13 billion through the residual value of its stake, while also earning another $12-13 billion through royalties, dividends and capital.

Goyal also referred to British construction equipment maker JCB, which entered India at a time when infrastructure development was still at an early stage.

Today, JCB manufactures in India, serves the domestic market and exports its products to nearly 130 countries, he said.

"Hyundai and JCB bet on substance over noise," Goyal said.

He said the success of these companies reflects India's manufacturing strengths and long-term growth potential.

The minister added that India has repeatedly adapted its policies and business strategies to changing global conditions and has often turned challenges into opportunities.

He said the country is not only catering to its domestic market of 1.4 billion people but is also emerging as a manufacturing hub for global markets.

Highlighting India's trade outreach, Goyal said the country has signed nine free trade agreements in the past three-and-a-half years, covering 38 developed economies.

These agreements, he said, complement India's growth story by providing products and services the country needs while creating opportunities for Indian exports, talent and investment.

"The patient investors with India have gained big time. The returns have rewarded conviction," he said.

Goyal added that India continues to offer significant opportunities for investors willing to take a long-term view on the country's growth and development.

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