Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi hailed Indian two-wheeler manufacturers Bajaj, Hero, and TVS for their success in the Colombian market on Friday, using the example to underscore that Indian firms thrive through innovation rather than cronyism. Posting a photo on X from his ongoing four-nation South America tour, Gandhi stood in front of a Bajaj Pulsar motorcycle, captioning it: "Proud to see Bajaj, Hero & TVS do so well in Colombia. Shows Indian companies can win with innovation, not cronyism. Great job." The endorsement highlights the global reach of India's auto sector, which has increasingly penetrated Latin American markets amid rising demand for affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles.

Gandhi's remarks came during his visit to Colombia, the first leg of a tour aimed at strengthening economic and cultural ties with South America. The two-wheeler brands have carved out significant shares in Colombia's competitive motorcycle industry, where two-wheelers dominate urban commuting.

Bajaj, in particular, has invested heavily in local assembly plants since 2016, exporting over 100,000 units annually and tailoring models like the Pulsar for rugged terrains. Hero MotoCorp and TVS Motor Company have followed suit, with TVS reporting a 25% year-on-year sales growth in the region last fiscal year, driven by electric variants amid Colombia's push for sustainable transport. This success story contrasts with domestic debates in India over business favouritism, where Gandhi has repeatedly criticised policies that allegedly benefit a handful of conglomerates at the expense of smaller innovators.

Earlier this week, at the 'The Future is Today' seminar at EIA University in Medellín, Gandhi elaborated on India's economic potential while cautioning against structural vulnerabilities. He contrasted India's diverse, conversation-driven democracy with China's centralised model, emphasising that suppressing pluralism would stifle growth. "India has multiple religions, traditions and languages. "It is actually a conversation between all its people," he said on Wednesday. "The single biggest risk is the attack on democracy that is taking place in India." Gandhi argued that fostering space for varied ideas—rooted in ancient spiritual traditions—positions India to offer unique global contributions but warned against authoritarian tendencies that could undermine this mosaic. He expressed optimism about India's trajectory toward becoming a developed nation by 2047, provided it overcomes these "fault lines".

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The tour, which also includes Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, focuses on trade opportunities in renewable energy, agriculture, and manufacturing, aligning with Gandhi's broader narrative of equitable growth. As opposition voices grow louder ahead of potential 2029 elections, his international platform amplifies calls for policy reforms to empower merit-based entrepreneurship. With India's two-wheeler exports to Latin America surpassing $500 million last year, the Colombian spotlight serves as a timely affirmation of the sector's resilience and innovation-driven expansion.

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