Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal today launched the curtain raiser for Bharat Buildcon 2026 in New Delhi, in the presence of industry leaders from across India.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Goyal said the Government is committed to ensuring that industry does not face unnecessary stress or difficulties arising from unilateral actions by some countries. He urged industry representatives to highlight sectors where alternate markets are required, assuring that the Commerce Ministry is reaching out to partners across the globe to open up new opportunities.

He emphasized that, alongside global outreach, boosting domestic consumption remains a priority. The upcoming GST Council meeting, he noted, is expected to provide measures that will quickly stimulate demand and give a strong boost to domestic manufacturing.

The Minister said the Government is focused on supporting industry so that no sector is left behind—whether in accessing international markets or strengthening domestic opportunities. He also encouraged active participation in Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to ensure India emerges as a trusted supplier of high-quality products.

Underscoring India’s rising global position, Shri Goyal asserted with confidence that this year’s exports will be higher than last year’s, reflecting the growing competitiveness and resilience of Indian industry.

Quoting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s consistent call since 2014 for “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” manufacturing, he recalled the Prime Minister’s Independence Day message that Indian products should be “Daam Kam, Dum Zyaada”—affordable yet powerful. Shri Goyal highlighted that infrastructure continues to be at the heart of national development.

Shri Goyal asserted that the capability of India is not being correctly understood by some experts and media. He pointed out that while certain analysts underestimate the nation’s potential, the resilience of Indian industry, the strength of its startups, and the confidence of its people tell a different story. India has successfully navigated challenges such as COVID-19 and even nuclear sanctions, and today it stands strong, ready to expand its share in global trade.

The Minister also drew attention to the acute housing shortage in Australia, where nearly 1 million homes are required. He invited Indian businesses, workers, and experts to seize this opportunity, stating that Australia is open to financial collaboration, technical expertise, and workforce support from India. Training and certification opportunities are also being offered so Indian professionals can meet Australian standards. “If we miss this opportunity, we will have only ourselves to blame,” he remarked, calling it a potential game-changer for India’s construction and financial sectors.

Shri Goyal further highlighted India’s expanding network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with developed countries, including Australia, the UAE, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and the UK, with negotiations ongoing with the European Union and others. These agreements, he said, will further open global opportunities for Indian industries such as construction, steel, and allied sectors.

Shri Goyal further highlighted that several developed countries are eager to expand trade relations with India, noting that nations such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have expressed keen interest in entering into Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with India. He emphasised that such partnerships will not only provide a major boost to India’s export opportunities and global market integration but also complement the country’s efforts in scaling up its clean energy and manufacturing capabilities.

Congratulating the organizers for last year’s successful edition of Bharat Buildcon, Shri Goyal said it was remarkable that the program had achieved such success with minimal government involvement. He encouraged industry leaders to make Bharat Buildcon 2026 a self-sufficient, industry-led initiative, with government support as a backup if required.

The Minister suggested that the 2026 edition should not be limited to the capital but also be taken to other parts of the country to spread awareness of the sector’s potential. He urged organizers to ensure wide participation from all allied sectors, create a feedback mechanism for past participants, and involve international stakeholders to make the event a truly global platform.

He also highlighted the vast export potential in steel and iron ore, noting that India could export 50 million tonnes of steel annually, strengthening its export basket with high-quality, competitively priced products.

“Let us build infrastructure that binds India together,” Shri Goyal said, concluding that Bharat Buildcon 2026 will showcase India’s strength, innovation, resilience, and competitiveness as the country marches towards Viksit Bharat 2047.

Scheduled from April 29 to May 2, 2026, at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi, Bharat Buildcon is being positioned as India’s flagship international platform for the building and construction materials industry. With India’s building and construction market valued at over USD 1 trillion and employing millions, the event will provide a one-stop platform to highlight India’s capabilities across 37 allied sectors including cement, ceramics, tiles, sanitaryware, paints, hardware, electricals, and more.

The exhibition will play a pivotal role in promoting Indian products in international markets, boosting exports, attracting investments, and positioning India as a trusted global supplier.

With the curtain raiser setting the momentum, Bharat Buildcon 2026 is projected not just as an exhibition but as a strategic milestone in strengthening India’s global presence in the construction sector and propelling the country towards its growth vision.

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Abhishek Dayal/ Ishita Biswas