India Let Down Miserably During Covid, Goyal Says

Rethinking Global Dependence After Pandemic Shortfalls

India chose to pursue greater self-reliance after the Covid pandemic exposed critical gaps in its ability to source essential medical equipment, leaving the country feeling abandoned by global partners, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated on October 14, 2026. Speaking at a trade policy forum in New Delhi, Goyal reflected on the early days of the crisis when India struggled to obtain ventilators, personal protective equipment, and testing kits despite urgent national need. The experience prompted a decisive shift in economic strategy toward reducing dependence on foreign supply chains for vital goods.

Goyal emphasized that the pandemic revealed vulnerabilities in India’s import-reliant model, particularly for healthcare infrastructure. During 2020 and 2021, domestic manufacturers were unable to scale up quickly enough, and international suppliers prioritized their own populations or faced export restrictions. This forced India to confront the reality that global cooperation could not be guaranteed in emergencies. The minister noted that these shortcomings were not due to lack of effort but to systemic delays in production and logistics. As a result, the government launched initiatives to boost local manufacturing of medical devices and pharmaceuticals under the Production Linked Incentive scheme. These efforts aimed to transform crisis lessons into long-term resilience by strengthening domestic capacity and encouraging private investment in critical sectors.

How Will Self-Sufficiency Shape India’s Future Trade Policy?

The push for self-reliance, branded as Atmanirbhar Bharat, has since expanded beyond healthcare to include electronics, telecommunications, and renewable energy components. Goyal argued that this approach does not mean isolation but rather strategic autonomy—ensuring India can meet its own needs while still engaging in global trade from a position of strength. He cited increased domestic production of active pharmaceutical ingredients and reduced imports of certain medical goods as early signs of progress. Critics, however, warn that overemphasis on self-sufficiency could raise costs and hinder innovation if not balanced with selective international collaboration. The minister acknowledged these concerns but maintained that the pandemic taught a clear lesson: preparedness must come from within. Looking ahead, India plans to review its trade agreements to ensure they support, rather than undermine, national security and health sovereignty.

What specific equipment did India struggle to obtain during the pandemic? India faced shortages of ventilators, personal protective equipment such as masks and gowns, and diagnostic testing kits during the peak months of Covid-19, prompting emergency imports and domestic production efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is India completely cutting off imports of medical goods now? No, India is not eliminating imports but aims to reduce reliance on foreign sources for critical items by boosting local manufacturing capacity while maintaining trade ties for non-essential goods.

How has the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative changed since 2020? Initially focused on healthcare and agriculture, the self-reliance drive has expanded to sectors like defense, telecom, and green energy, with incentives designed to attract investment and increase domestic value addition.