During his tour of South America, Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, praised the performance of Indian two-wheeler manufacturers in Colombia. Sharing a photo on X standing next to a Bajaj Pulsar, he said: “Proud to see Bajaj, Hero, and TVS do so well in Colombia. Shows Indian companies can win with innovation, not cronyism. Great job.”
Indian Innovation on the Global Stage
Mr. Gandhi’s comments underline the growing international presence of Indian companies. Bajaj, Hero, and TVS have made significant inroads in Colombia, demonstrating that Indian businesses can compete globally through innovation rather than political favoritism.
Addressing Economic Concentration
At a seminar titled The Future is Today at EIA University in Medellin, Colombia, Mr. Gandhi warned against allowing a few companies to dominate the economy. He emphasised that India’s economic system is far more complex than China’s and that its strengths lie in diversity, innovation, and its deep spiritual and philosophical traditions.
Democracy as India’s Core Strength
While optimistic about India’s potential, Mr. Gandhi highlighted internal challenges. “The single-biggest risk is the attack on democracy that is taking place in India,” he said. He stressed that India’s multiple religions, languages, and traditions require space to coexist and flourish, and that democracy is the best system to ensure this.
Rejecting Authoritarian Models
Pointing to China as an example of authoritarian suppression, Mr. Gandhi stated: “We cannot do what China does. Our design will just not accept that.” He reinforced the importance of allowing diverse ideas and traditions to thrive, describing it as essential for India’s long-term stability and growth.
