Smriti Irani hails traders’ role in India’s digital & retail growth at Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav

BJP leader Smriti Irani hailed India’s trader community while speaking at the Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav 2026 in New Delhi. Irani said traders are at the heart of India’s manufacturing and retail ecosystem, highlighting their role in driving digital payments and UPI adoption. She also cited more than 50 crore MUDRA loans and said India’s retail sector is poised to become a $2.3 trillion force by 2030. Recalling the COVID-19 pandemic, Irani praised traders for serving society even when shops remained shut.