Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal today said that the people of Kashmir have shown the world they will not be deterred by terrorism and will give a befitting reply to it.
Speaking to reporters after attending the Traders’ Conclave-2025, organized by the Federation of Trade and Industry of India (FTII) at SKICC, Goyal, referring to the recent attack in Pahalgam, said terrorists are unable to tolerate Kashmir’s development.
“I congratulate the people of Kashmir for showing the world that terror attacks will not stop Kashmir’s progress. The attack (on tourists in Pahalgam) was not just on tourists, but on Kashmir’s economy,” he said.
The Minister said terrorists cannot bear to see the development taking place in the Valley and added that a strong response was given to the neighbouring country during ‘Operation Sindoor.’
He drew parallels between terrorism in Kashmir and the action being taken against Naxalism across India-aiming to end it by 2026-and expressed confidence that terrorism in Kashmir will also be eradicated with the support of the people.
On the occasion, the Union Minister paid tribute to India’s first Commerce Minister, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary, stating that his struggle to make Kashmir an integral part of India “did not go in vain.”
“He gave the slogan ‘Do Vidhan, Do Pradhan, Do Nishan will not be accepted.’ He came to Kashmir without a permit and died here under mysterious circumstances, but his sacrifice was not in vain,” he said.
Goyal added that the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A on August 5, 2019, made Kashmir a fully integrated part of the country.
He said the move enabled the implementation of all the laws in J&K, which, he said, benefitted the poor, marginalized, victims, and women by giving them their rightful place in society.
“There were many laws from which the people of J&K were deprived. At the Panchayat level, democratic systems have been implemented. Elections were held, and the Omar-led Government was elected and is currently functioning here,” he added.
Goyal said J&K is witnessing rapid growth in industry and commerce, noting that under the Centre’s Rs 28,000 crore incentive scheme, several industrial units across various sectors have been established to promote industry.
He said, “The Omar Government and Modi Government are working together to ensure that industry, commerce, and tourism are boosted in J&K. I met business leaders and delegations here. We have resolved to be ‘vocal for local’ and to take local products global.”
Goyal also took a shikara ride on Dal lake and reminisced about his childhood days in Kashmir, when he stayed on a houseboat.
“Heaven on Earth, our beautiful Jammu & Kashmir. Soaking in the breathtaking beauty of the majestic Dal lake on a shikara. I went down memory lane today, feeling nostalgic,” he wrote on ‘X with a video of the ride.Travel packages to Jammu
It is to be noted here that the conclave celebrated the vital contribution of traders, entrepreneurs, and business leaders in strengthening the economic landscape of J&K and the nation.
The event was attended by Sunil Singhi, Chairman of the National Traders Welfare Board, and Satish Sharma, Cabinet Minister, Government of Jammu & Kashmir.
Prior to the conclave, Goyal held key interactions with representatives from the MSME Development Forum and the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where discussions focused on local trade challenges and policy solutions – including GST on handicrafts, promoting horticulture-based value chains, and enhancing packaging and R&D infrastructure.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the love and warmth received from the people of Kashmir and noted the spiritual significance of the holy month of Muharram, along with the cultural harmony seen in Ekadashi celebrations across the country.
Speaking on the theme of the conclave, Goyal said vocal for local is not just a slogan, it is, he said, the guiding philosophy for India’s rise as a manufacturing power and a trusted trading partner.
“From the local shopkeeper to global exporters, everyone plays a role in building a Viksit Bharat.”
He noted that various delegations had raised concerns about GST on handicrafts and emphasized the need to integrate packaging technologies with handlooms, handicrafts, and horticulture.
The Minister assured that he would take up the matter with the Indian Institute of Packaging and expedite the establishment of a regional centre in Kashmir.
On the proposal for a Centre of Excellence for Startups and Innovation, Goyal offered support through a public-private partnership model and encouraged collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture for research and development in agri-entrepreneurship.
He also responded positively to the suggestion of setting up a solar power project in the Lassipora Industrial Estate, highlighting its potential to enable green-certified production and promote clean energy.
Addressing concerns from apple growers, Goyal stressed the need to balance demand and production to ensure fair prices for local producers. He assured that the Government would examine the matter in consultation with stakeholders in Delhi.
Highlighting the global recognition of Kashmir’s craft heritage, the Minister said: “Wherever we go, there’s a growing trend to gift Made in India products.”
He said that Kashmir’s GI-tagged Pashmina shawls stand out every time “and recently, our Prime Minister gifted one to the President of Ghana – a beautiful example of India’s soft power and the journey of our artisans.”
Condemning the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Goyal said the unity shown by Kashmiris in its aftermath sent a powerful message to the world.
He reiterated that peace, safety, and solidarity are the foundations of progress and that tourism will remain one of Kashmir’s greatest strengths.
He lauded the commencement of the Vande Bharat Express in Kashmir and the completion of strategic infrastructure projects like the Chenab and Anji bridges, Peer Ki Gali tunnel, and the USBRL corridor, calling them game-changers for connectivity and commerce.
The Minister called for sustained tourism promotion through cultural events, yatras, and more conclaves to invite both India and the world to witness Kashmir’s peace and development.
He also praised the rise of homestays in Kashmir, noting how they generate employment while offering visitors an authentic cultural experience.
Reflecting on the national pledge taken at the conclave, Goyal said: “When we prioritise Made in India products, we strengthen national pride and the hands that make them. India is not only innovating for itself but also for the world. We must research for India and research for the world.”
He emphasised that India is now a trusted global trading partner, valued for its integrity, efficiency, and product quality.
The Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to empowering new exporters, entering new markets, and expanding the international presence of Indian goods – especially high-value, low shelf-life products.
Goyal urged the business community to stay focused on their mission. He said, “Whatever work you take up, pursue it with full energy, skill, and dedication. Do not leave it halfway. I am confident that the traders and entrepreneurs of Jammu & Kashmir will carry this mission forward and help India scale new heights.”
Meanwhile, Atul Modi, Managing Director, and Namrata Modi, Executive Director of Prevest DenPro Limited, a leading Jammu based dental industry, were jointly awarded the prestigious Vyapar Ratna Award for their significant contributions to the growth and development of the industrial sector in Jammu & Kashmir. The award was presented by Piyush Goyal and Satish Sharma, Cabinet Minister of the J&K Government.
In his concluding remarks, Dr Sanjay Bansal, national president, Federation of Trade and Industry India (FTII) and Board member, National Traders Welfare Board (NTWB) extended heartfelt thanks to Niaz A Shah, chairman, FTII Kashmir and Showkat Qayum, president, FTII Kashmir, for their outstanding efforts in organizing the event.
Dr Babsak also applauded the entire FTII J&K Chapter for their dedication, coordination and commitment to serving traders at the grassroots level.
The conclave ended on a high note of optimism, unity and renewed momentum for trade-led growth in Jammu & Kashmir. Daily Excelsior
