Startup Mahakumbh’s ‘India vs China’ Display Board Ignites Hot Debate Following Piyush Goyal’s Comments

Delhi’s Startup Mahakumbh 2025 was meant to spotlight India’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit but quickly turned into a contentious debate on the country’s startup landscape.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal ignited the discussion with remarks comparing India’s startups to those in China. He pointed out that while China is advancing in high-tech fields, India is more focused on groceries, food apps, and gig work. “Are we just going to be delivery boys and girls? Or are we building the future?” he asked, raising eyebrows and sparking discussions.

Things heated up further with a display board outside the Bharat Mandapam venue titled “India vs China: The Startup Reality Check.” It emphasized the perceived gap between the two nations: China’s startups are leading in electric vehicles, AI, and semiconductors, whereas India is known for food delivery and entertainment apps.

The image of the board went viral on social media. Users voiced their opinions, with some arguing that India’s consumer apps drive short-term growth but fall short of developing foundational technologies. One user pointed out that China’s success had humble beginnings too.

In response to the ongoing debate, Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha passionately defended India’s startups. He argued that it was too simplistic to criticize Indian consumer internet companies, especially when compared to the advancements in the US and China. He stressed that innovation takes many forms and highlighted the significant growth and job opportunities consumer apps bring.

However, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal countered Palicha’s defense, calling it misguided. He supported Goyal’s comments, stating that the minister’s concerns about the direction of Indian startups were indeed legitimate.

The discussion reflects a broader question about the future of India’s startup ecosystem. According to a report from the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), India had over 75,000 startups by 2022, but many argue that the focus must shift toward technology-driven sectors for sustainable growth.

This debate touches on a larger trend in the tech world. As global innovation accelerates, countries are rethinking their strategies. Experts suggest that balancing consumer demand with technological advancement is crucial for long-term success.

While Indian startups have made significant strides, understanding and addressing these concerns is vital for future growth. The conversation continues, as entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers weigh in on how to shape India’s innovation landscape moving forward.



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