Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has recently expressed concerns about the focus of Indian startups, particularly in the quick-commerce sector. At the Startup Mahakumbh 2025 in New Delhi, Goyal questioned the emphasis on services like food delivery, suggesting that such platforms primarily cater to affluent consumers and create low-skill jobs. He posed the rhetorical question, “Are we going to be happy being delivery boys and girls?”
Goyal contrasted this approach with China’s advancements in high-tech sectors, including electric mobility, battery technology, robotics, and 3D manufacturing. He urged Indian startups to emulate this focus on deep-tech innovation rather than consumer convenience apps.
This perspective has sparked a debate within the startup community. Zepto’s co-founder, Aadit Palicha, responded by emphasizing the importance of building companies that address real-world problems at scale, viewing this as a form of technological advancement. Additionally, Mohandas Pai, chairman of Aarin Capital, criticized the government’s support for deep-tech startups, suggesting that policies have not sufficiently fostered such innovations.
Furthermore, Goyal has previously advised quick-commerce companies to collaborate with local retailers to ensure sustainable business models. He highlighted the need for these platforms to involve neighborhood stores in last-mile delivery to align with regulatory frameworks and support traditional retail ecosystems.
