Made In China

Made in India vs Made in China

Original Writer- Shyamsunder Agrawalla

Translation- The Eastern Times

Photo: Shyamsunder Agrawalla

The marketplace operates on its own principles, primarily driven by demand and supply. Politics has little influence here—economics rules. In the gold market, customers always prefer to buy from the shop that offers the best price and quality, without ever asking the jeweler’s religion. Likewise, the tailor who stitches well-fitted clothes at a fair price and delivers them on time earns the customer’s trust, regardless of caste or background.

This applies not just to clothes or jewelry but to televisions, fridges, air conditioners, cameras, laptops, mobile phones, ovens, washing machines, sofas, dining tables—even shoes and sandals. Customers care about build quality, features, price, and after-sales service, not the manufacturer’s nationality or belief system. Whether the product is made in India or China rarely matters if it meets expectations.

This is typical buyer behavior. There may be exceptions, but in the long run, no one can sell goods based solely on nationalism, religion, or emotion. To compete in a market, a country must offer excellent products at fair prices with reliable service. Unless Indian-made goods match or exceed foreign alternatives in value and quality, simply urging people to “buy local” won’t work.

Fortunately, there are many patriots today who promote Indian products over foreign ones—and that’s commendable. Buying Indian goods helps the national economy and keeps money circulating within the country. But before accepting this noble idea, we must honestly ask: Are high-quality, fairly priced Indian products available in the market?

Be it a mobile phone, computer, camera, TV, fridge, or even simple furniture and toys—foreign brands dominate our market with cheaper and more appealing options. Where should a patriotic buyer turn for quality Indian goods?

The problem lies deeper. For decades, we focused more on caste, religion, language, reservations, and freebies instead of developing industry, business, and infrastructure. We didn’t prioritize entrepreneurship or wealth creation. We rarely bother to understand market needs, production ecosystems, or consumer behavior.

Ironically, India is now the world’s fourth-largest economy, yet over 80 crore people still depend on free ration schemes. From birth to death, a typical citizen today benefits from government aid—Janani Suraksha Yojana (maternity schemes), Child Welfare schemes, Medhavi scholarships (student education schemes), Subsidized Marriage schemes, Ayushman healthcare (Healthcare scheme), Pilgrimage plans, and even post-death funeral assistance.

The question arises: In this environment of endless welfare, who will drive our industrial growth? How will we build a self-reliant economy if the very workforce is conditioned to depend on state support? Can a cart move if the horse is busy feeding?

That’s why India lacks global-quality industries and products—because we never built the foundation. We lack capital, favorable environments, skilled labor, and efficient systems. Our youth spend more time preparing for government jobs or seeking benefits under various schemes than building businesses or creating value.

Try hiring a local carpenter to build a sofa or dining table. After delays, costs, and frustration, most customers end up buying sleek and affordable Made-in-China alternatives. How can you stop them? Even the government isn’t immune—every Independence Day and Republic Day, our public buildings light up with decorative lights. Have we ever checked if these colorful lights are “Made in India” or “Made in China”?

In a true market economy, emotional appeals alone won’t sustain businesses. Quality, price, efficiency, and service win customer loyalty—not slogans or sentiments.

Author bio: The Writer is a famous Columnist, TV Personality.

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