Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal expressed concerns over the direction of India’s startup ecosystem, suggesting that many are focused only on food delivery and other low-skill jobs, rather than creating high-impact industries.
Goyal's Critique of India’s Startups
At the Startup Mahakumbh 2025, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal criticized Indian startups, calling them a source of cheap labor for food delivery services.
Piyush Goyal’s Controversial Statement
The Criticism
Goyal questioned, “Are we going to be happy being delivery boys and girls?”—comparing India’s startup ecosystem with China’s, sparking a heated debate.
Zepto’s CEO Hits Back
Zepto’s CEO, Aadit Palicha, responded passionately on X (formerly Twitter), sharing the success and contributions of his 3.5-year-old company.
Zepto’s Growth
Palicha highlighted Zepto's rapid growth, revealing that the startup has created 1.5 lakh jobs and contributes Rs 1,000 crores in taxes annually.
Defending Consumer Internet Startups
Palicha defended the role of consumer internet startups, stating that they are vital for innovation, economic growth, and technological advancements in India.
Zepto’s Economic Contributions
Zepto has brought in over a billion dollars in FDI and heavily invested in India’s supply chains, especially in fresh fruits and vegetables.
The Importance of Local Tech Champions
Palicha emphasized that India needs strong local tech champions to drive technological revolutions and build a competitive edge in the global market.
Innovation & Execution
Palicha argued that to compete globally, India needs to build successful local internet companies with significant capital and execution capabilities.