BISHESHWAR MISHRA
Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal on Thursday reiterated India’s firm commitment to safeguarding its citizens and economy from the menace of illegal and counterfeit trade. He was speaking at the inaugural session of the 11th edition of Movement Against Smuggled and Counterfeit Trade (MASCRADE) in New Delhi, organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
Highlighting the government’s efforts to curb illicit markets, Meghwal said that the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms have not only streamlined compliance but also brought significant relief to businesses and consumers alike. These reforms, he noted, have made it harder for unlawful trading networks to thrive, thereby strengthening transparency in the system.
The Minister underlined that curbing counterfeit and smuggled goods is vital for national interest, as such practices not only harm consumers but also drain government revenues, disrupt fair competition, and weaken industrial growth. “Illegal and counterfeit trade is not just an economic challenge but also a social one, as it directly impacts livelihoods, safety, and trust,” he said.
The theme of this year’s conference, “Growing Illicit Trade: Destabilising Economic Welfare,” set the tone for discussions on how rising illicit markets pose a major barrier to India’s economic transformation.
Former Law and Justice Secretary P. K. Malhotra, also addressing the gathering, cautioned that illicit trade disrupts progress, escalates costs for consumers and producers, and undermines the country’s shared development goals. He stressed that if India aspires to become a thirty trillion-dollar economy by 2047, tackling counterfeit and smuggling networks must remain a national priority.
The MASCRADE platform brought together policymakers, enforcement agencies, industry leaders, and experts to deliberate on coordinated strategies for eliminating illegal trade. Panel discussions during the event focused on strengthening enforcement mechanisms, enhancing consumer awareness, and leveraging digital technology to trace and track goods effectively.
Industry leaders at the event echoed the government’s call for collective responsibility, pointing out that illicit trade not only damages brand value and reduces investor confidence but also fuels organised crime and global trafficking networks.
The two-day conference will conclude with a roadmap of recommendations aimed at creating a safer marketplace, protecting consumer rights, and ensuring that India’s growth trajectory remains on track toward its vision of becoming a developed economy by 2047.