MSMEs Are the Foundation Stones of Viksit Bharat: Dr. Mahesh Sharma at 35th IIA AGM in Greater Noida

Greater Noida News (02 September 2026): The Indian Industries Association (IIA) organised its 35th Central Annual General Meeting (AGM) and MSME Awards 2026 at Wedding Dots on 130 Metre Road in Greater Noida, bringing together more than 1,000 MSME entrepreneurs, industry leaders and representatives from IIA chapters across the country.

The event focused on strengthening the MSME ecosystem, promoting self-reliance and highlighting the crucial role of small and medium enterprises in India’s economic and industrial growth.

The session was conducted by IIA General Secretary Deepak Bajaj as per the scheduled agenda. IIA National President Dinesh Goyal welcomed the guests and reiterated the association’s commitment to the growth and welfare of MSMEs. Alok Agarwal presented the association’s upcoming operational plans.

During the official business session, the Treasurer presented the financial report and statement of accounts for the previous year, which were unanimously approved by the members present.
The IIA Greater Noida Chapter recorded the highest participation at the AGM. Chapter Chairman Sarabjeet Singh thanked the members and said that hosting the Central AGM in Greater Noida for the first time was a matter of pride for the chapter.

Rajnath Singh Calls on MSMEs to Strengthen Atmanirbhar Bharat

Chief Guest and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the gathering and called upon MSME entrepreneurs to play a greater role in strengthening the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Praising the contribution of entrepreneurs to nation-building, Singh emphasised the importance of a strong domestic manufacturing ecosystem and greater participation of MSMEs in India’s journey towards self-reliance.

The programme also featured an expert session by Rahul Jain, who spoke about emerging industrial challenges, adapting to changing business environments and strategies to protect profitability in a rapidly evolving market. The MSME Awards ceremony recognised entrepreneurs and enterprises for their contributions and achievements across various sectors.

Dr Mahesh Sharma: MSMEs Drive India’s Economic Transformation

Addressing the gathering in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Gautam Buddh Nagar MP Dr Mahesh Sharma underlined the structural importance of MSMEs in driving India’s economic growth.

Referring to recent quarterly figures indicating 7.8% GDP growth, Sharma said that while large industries may represent the visible face of a nation’s economic strength, the real engine of transformation lies in the collective strength of MSMEs.

He said that the foundation of large-scale manufacturing is built on the contribution of small factories, skilled workers, women engaged in manufacturing activities, and youth-led startups and Stand-Up India initiatives. According to Sharma, the combined strength of these enterprises creates the industrial ecosystem necessary for sustainable economic development.

India Emerging as a Defence Manufacturing Hub

Highlighting India’s progress in defence manufacturing and exports, Sharma credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for accelerating the country’s journey towards self-reliance in defence production. He pointed to India’s transition from being largely dependent on imports to emerging as an exporter of indigenous defence equipment, including the Tejas fighter aircraft.

Sharma also highlighted the development of defence manufacturing hubs across Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country, saying that these developments are strengthening local supply chains and creating new opportunities for MSMEs.

“Small Enterprises Are the Foundation Stones of a Large Economy”

Recalling his own entrepreneurial journey, Sharma shared that he started his business with ₹600 in a small 100-square-yard factory. He urged small entrepreneurs not to underestimate the importance of their businesses or their contribution to the economy.

Drawing an analogy with a large building, Sharma said that while towering structures attract attention, their strength ultimately depends on the foundation beneath them. Similarly, he said, large industries and India’s broader economic growth depend heavily on the strength and resilience of MSMEs. The AGM concluded with IIA’s national and regional office-bearers, chapter chairmen and participating entrepreneurs reaffirming their commitment to strengthening India’s MSME ecosystem and contributing to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

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