'In a World Full of Kattappas, India Offers Something Rare': Piyush Goyal at CII Summit

Piyush Goyal Uses Baahubali Reference to Highlight India's Trustworthiness

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal used a popular reference from the blockbuster film Baahubali to deliver a message about India's position in international trade.

Speaking at the 31st CII Partnership Summit 2026 in Visakhapatnam on November 12, Goyal recalled the famous question, "Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?" He connected the film's mystery with the growing importance of trust in global business relationships.

"In a world full of Kattappas, India offers you a partner that will not stab you in the back," Goyal said.

He described trust as an increasingly scarce resource in international trade, arguing that businesses and countries need dependable partners amid geopolitical uncertainty and changing global economic conditions.

India Presented as a Reliable Investment Destination

Goyal said India offers international investors a combination of policy predictability, intellectual property protection and competitive operating costs.

He emphasised that India respects intellectual property rights and is committed to protecting technologies and innovations brought by foreign companies.

According to the minister, these factors can help businesses make long-term investment decisions with greater confidence.

He also encouraged international companies to consider India for manufacturing, research and development, design operations and global capability centres.

Goyal Highlights India's Free Trade Agreements

During his address, the minister highlighted India's expanding network of free trade agreements (FTAs).

He said India had concluded nine free trade agreements over the previous four years, covering economies with a combined gross domestic product of approximately $60 trillion.

Goyal also referred to ongoing trade negotiations, suggesting that further agreements could expand preferential access to international markets.

The government has been presenting trade agreements as an important instrument for strengthening exports, attracting investment and connecting Indian businesses with global supply chains.

Minister Urges Global Companies to Invest in India

Goyal called on international businesses to establish new facilities and expand their operations in India.

He specifically encouraged investment in:

• Manufacturing facilities and factories

• Research and development centres

• Design and technology operations

• Global capability centres

• Hotels and hospitality infrastructure

• Data centres

He argued that India's competitive cost structure and expanding business opportunities could make it an attractive destination for companies seeking to diversify their global operations.

Cost Competitiveness and Manufacturing Opportunities

The minister also highlighted India's manufacturing and services cost advantages.

He claimed that certain products and services could be developed in India at a fraction of the cost in other locations, potentially offering businesses significant savings.

His remarks were aimed at encouraging global companies to consider India not only as a consumer market but also as a centre for production, innovation and technology development.

The emphasis on manufacturing and research also reflects India's broader ambition to strengthen its role in global supply chains.

Why Trust Is Becoming Important in Global Trade

Goyal's remarks came amid growing uncertainty in international trade, influenced by geopolitical tensions, technology restrictions and changing supply-chain strategies.

Businesses increasingly have to consider factors beyond production costs when choosing investment destinations and commercial partners.

These include regulatory stability, protection of intellectual property, access to markets and the security of technology and supply chains.

By emphasising trust, Goyal sought to position India as a long-term partner for countries and companies navigating these challenges.

Conclusion

Piyush Goyal's Kattappa reference at the CII Partnership Summit 2026 combined popular cinema with a broader message about India's international trade ambitions.

By highlighting intellectual property protection, policy stability, free trade agreements and cost competitiveness, the minister encouraged global companies to expand their presence in India.

His central message was that reliability and trust should be important considerations in international business partnerships, alongside traditional factors such as cost and market access.