The Economic Times

Anand Mahindra couldn't stop watching this 15-cent cigarette lighter video; What it revealed holds lessons for building the next Apple or Tesla in India

Anand Mahindra says a 15-cent disposable lighter made in China's Shaodong manufacturing hub offers a valuable lesson in industrial competitiveness. Highlighting how specialised suppliers clustered in one region drive efficiency and innovation, he argues that India should actively develop similar manufacturing ecosystems, such as Gujarat's Morbi ceramic cluster, to strengthen its position as a global manufacturing powerhouse rather than relying on chance for such success stories to emerge.