At the Global India Forum, a power-packed session titled “MSMEs: Unlocking Growth for India’s Next Economic Milestone” brought together government leaders, industry experts, and innovators to discuss how micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are driving India’s journey towards a $10 trillion economy.
The session was moderated by Sanjeev Mehta, Founder and Global CEO of Akasha Wars, and featured a distinguished panel including Kaustubh Dhavse, Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Mudit Agarwal, CEO of Indian Highways Management Company; and Vivek Kumar Daksh, Deputy Director General, Department of Posts.
Government’s Commitment to MSME Growth
Opening the discussion, Kaustubh Dhavse highlighted that MSMEs form the “bedrock of the Indian economy,” contributing nearly 30% to GDP and employing over 120 million people. He emphasized that while significant progress has been made through initiatives like Stand Up India and PM MSME schemes, access to capital and simplification of processes remain key challenges.
Dhavse revealed that the Maharashtra government has plans to further ease credit access for MSMEs, with new measures expected to be announced by the Chief Minister during the forum’s valedictory session. He also stressed the importance of a “war room approach” — similar to what was used to deliver massive infrastructure projects like the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link — to accelerate MSME development.
Technology and Infrastructure as Enablers
Mudit Agarwal shared insights into how MSMEs are powering India’s digital highway revolution. His organization, which manages tolling and traffic technology across the country, relies heavily on innovations developed by small and medium enterprises.
He revealed that more than 6 crore FASTag users now use tech infrastructure built by Indian MSMEs, and the company is piloting barrierless tolling systems that use AI, OCR, RFID, and computer vision to process vehicles moving at high speed without stopping.
“These technologies are not imported,” Agarwal said. “They are designed by Indian MSMEs who understand local roads, vehicles, and challenges. The next frontier is exporting this technology globally—just as India is now exporting UPI.”
He also emphasized the role of startups and SMEs in developing AI-driven road safety systems to detect over-speeding, manage fog conditions, and enable real-time emergency responses across highways.
India Post: Bridging MSMEs to the Global Market
Vivek Kumar Daksh of the Department of Posts highlighted how India Post’s vast network — with 1.65 lakh post offices, 90% in rural areas — can be a game-changer for MSMEs seeking to expand globally.
He explained that through initiatives like Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras, India Post now assists rural entrepreneurs in packaging, labeling, and completing electronic customs clearance for exports. “Our infrastructure connects local businesses to global markets,” Daksh noted, adding that India Post Payment Bank has further deepened financial inclusion, with 11 crore accounts opened, 48% belonging to women.
The Road Ahead
The panel agreed that MSMEs are central to India’s economic transformation. By combining policy support, digital innovation, and last-mile connectivity, India can empower millions of small businesses to scale globally.
As moderator Sanjeev Mehta concluded, “This is India’s decade. The synergy between government, infrastructure, and enterprise will define how we reach the next economic milestone.”
By: Arushi Agarwal
