Customs duties cut as India focuses on atmanirbharta and global leadership, says FM Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasised India's ongoing efforts to reduce duties and enhance self-reliance during her address at the International Customs Day Celebration 2025, held at the Nhava Sheva Port in Mumbai, Maharashtra on Monday.

Sitharaman said that in the current context, ensuring "atmanirbharta" (self-reliance) has been crucial for the country’s economic growth.

“In today’s context, to ensure atmanirbharta, duties can be brought down to its minimum,” she remarked, underscoring the government's focus on reducing trade barriers and fostering domestic production.


The Finance Minister went on to highlight the steps taken in the current budget to further this goal, noting, “During this budget, because of two years of working, we have progressively cut down on duties.”

This reduction, she explained, is part of a strategic effort to strengthen India's economic independence and position the country as a global leader in trade.

Sitharaman also addressed the role of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), calling on the organisation to set an example in global customs.

“CBIC should lead the way to show the World Customs Organization (WCO) that we are on the top both in terms of performance and in the ways which are futuristic to make sure the global customs world can learn from us,” said the FM.