#970 How Protectionism Is Holding Back Indian Manufacturing | Govindraj Ethiraj | The Core Report

India’s manufacturing problem may be more deeply rooted than it appears. In this episode of The Core Report Special Edition, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with economist Dr Surjit Bhalla about how protectionism is holding back Indian manufacturing, why private investment has lost momentum and whether India can realistically become a developed country by 2047.Surjit Bhalla examines India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 ambition through per capita income and economic growth projections. He explains why measuring progress using current dollars rather than purchasing power parity produces a far more challenging target. Drawing on the experiences of China, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Brazil and Indonesia, he questions whether India’s developed country goal is achievable within the proposed timeframe.The conversation explores why infrastructure spending alone cannot sustain faster GDP growth. Bhalla explains why India needs greater private investment, stronger manufacturing exports and access to global demand. He also examines why repeated government appeals have failed to persuade businesses to invest more.Bhalla believes protectionism is holding back Indian manufacturing by reducing the pressure on domestic companies to become globally competitive. He discusses import tariffs, non-tariff barriers, Quality Control Orders and the influence of powerful interest groups on India’s economic policy. He also explains how protection can discourage investment, weaken exports and limit manufacturing growth.Govindraj Ethiraj and Surjit Bhalla discuss India’s economic growth, private investment, manufacturing policy, industrial monopolies, import duties, Quality Control Orders, bilateral investment treaties, free trade agreements and an India US trade deal. They also explore the growing risks of relying heavily on services when artificial intelligence could transform employment and competitiveness in the sector.At the heart of the conversation is a bigger question. If India wants faster economic growth, more private investment, stronger exports and developed country status, can it continue protecting domestic industry from global competition?Chapters:01:04 Can India Become a Developed Economy by 2047? 03:54 The Global Road to Developed-Economy Status 08:30 Can Countries Lose Developed-Economy Status? 09:58 Can Higher Investment Unlock Faster Growth? 14:42 Is Private Investment Holding India Back? 16:25 Why Aren’t Companies Investing More? 19:40 Has India Lost Its Global Ambition? 21:50 How Do You Get India’s Private Sector Investing? 23:59 How Can India Break the Protectionism Cycle? 27:43 What’s Holding Back India’s Manufacturing Exports? 30:29 Can FTAs Boost India’s Exports? Watch the full conversation for a deeper understanding of how protectionism is holding back Indian manufacturing, the future of private investment in India and what must change to accelerate India’s economic growth.How is protectionism holding back Indian manufacturing and India’s developed economy goal for 2047? Watch economist Surjit Bhalla and Govindraj Ethiraj on The Core Report discuss India’s economic growth, private investment, manufacturing exports, import tariffs, Quality Control Orders and free trade agreements. Discover what must change for Viksit Bharat 2047.#IndianManufacturing #IndianEconomy #Protectionism #ViksitBharat2047 #SurjitBhalla #TheCoreReport #TheCore