RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra delivered a strong message to India's MSME sector during an event in Kochi, urging banks and financial institutions to view MSMEs not as a regulatory obligation but as long-term business partners. Highlighting the sector's importance, Malhotra called for a fundamental shift in the banking approach toward small businesses. He also laid out a three-point growth roadmap for entrepreneurs: invest in technology, innovation and R&D; actively use RBI-backed digital platforms such as ULI, Account Aggregator and co-lending frameworks; and register under Udyam Registration Certificate (URC) to access government benefits. Stressing continuous engagement between policymakers and businesses, the RBI Governor said stronger MSMEs can create durable financial returns, generate employment and drive India's long-term economic growth.