PM Urges Auto Industry to Expand Globally, Leverage FTAs

PM Modi Calls for Global Expansion of Automotive Industry

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the Indian automobile industry to significantly enhance its global presence by fully leveraging recently signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). He emphasized the need to accelerate innovation, exports, and green mobility.

Addressing the annual conference of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) 2026, the Prime Minister stated that India's auto sector is a significant contributor to the nation's economic progress, job creation, and technological self-reliance.

FTAs Open Doors to New Global Markets

The Prime Minister specifically highlighted that the FTAs India has entered into with various countries are opening up new global markets for Indian industry. He encouraged automobile companies to proactively utilize these opportunities to effectively showcase their products, advanced technology, and brands worldwide.

He stressed the importance for the industry to continuously focus on quality and innovation to meet the high standards of global competition.

'Make in India' and PLI Boost Manufacturing

Prime Minister Modi noted that far-sighted initiatives like 'Make in India' and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes have substantially strengthened the manufacturing-friendly ecosystem in the country. Production capacity in the automobile and auto-component sectors has seen significant growth, enabling India to further solidify its position in global supply chains.

He urged the industry to set ambitious goals beyond meeting domestic demand and work towards establishing India as a major hub for global automobile manufacturing and exports. This would not only enhance India's economic strength but also bolster its industrial credibility on a global scale.

Rise of Electric Vehicles and Green Mobility

The Prime Minister underscored the rapid transformation occurring in India's mobility sector, which is increasingly moving towards new technologies, energy efficiency, and green energy solutions. With the proliferation of Electric Vehicles (EVs), significant new opportunities are emerging in battery technology, charging infrastructure development, and clean energy-based transport systems.

He appealed to the auto industry to adopt environmentally friendly technologies, encourage investment in research and development (R&D), and develop cutting-edge products aligned with future needs. This move will aid India in achieving its sustainable development goals and playing a leading role in addressing global environmental challenges.

Auto Sector's Role in 'Developed India' by 2047

The Prime Minister emphasized that the automobile industry will play an extremely crucial role in achieving the ambitious goal of a 'Developed India' by 2047. To fulfill this objective, the industry needs to make bold decisions, increase investments, and continuously strengthen the competitiveness of Indian companies globally.

He stated that India's vast young population, rapidly growing middle class, robust domestic market, and a fast-evolving manufacturing sector all offer immense opportunities for the auto industry, and now is the opportune time to leverage them.

Industry's Central Focus on Export Growth

The core message from the Prime Minister was to inspire the Indian auto industry to expand beyond the confines of the domestic market and onto the global stage. Through FTAs, Indian products are highly likely to gain improved access to numerous foreign markets. Therefore, it is imperative that Indian automobile companies commit to meeting global standards in quality, cost-effectiveness, design, technical excellence, and after-sales service.

He called on the industry to prudently leverage government-led policies and evolving global dynamics to rapidly advance towards establishing India as one of the world's leading automobile manufacturing and export hubs. The Prime Minister's message is clear: fully capitalize on the global markets opened by FTAs, enhance India's manufacturing prowess, and drive the Indian auto industry onto the world's roads.