At the 65th Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the Special Plenary Session 1 on “Key Enablers Driving Global Leadership in Sustainable Mobility” brought together industry leaders and policymakers to deliberate on strategies for positioning India as a global leader in sustainable mobility by 2047. The session highlighted policy support, technological innovation, and collaborative efforts required to achieve this vision.
Guest of Honour, Tarun Kapoor, Adviser to Prime Minister, Government of India, recognised automotive sector’s role in contributing to the economy. He stated, "The Auto industry should partner with the Government in Anusandhan National Research Foundation and innovate in India for building the full value chain. Industry should work towards enhancing the use of biofuels, gaseous fuel and electric mobility. Compressed Bio Gas also holds huge potential in India. Domestic market will keep growing, as spending power will increase, but we must think big and penetrate global markets as well.”
Delivering the special address, Dr. Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, commented, "Sustainability is critical for India’s future. The Ministry of Heavy Industry has been driving electric mobility since 2015 with multiple schemes for the auto industry. The industry has supported with the setting up of more than 8,900 chargers and have deployed about 10,900 electric buses. The industry now needs to focus on investments in electric heavy vehicles. Our partnership with SIAM is vital as it fuels our Vision 2047 and advances sustainable mobility initiatives.”
Dr. Pawan Goenka, Past President SIAM and Chairman, Steering Committee on Advancing Local Value-add & Exports (SCALE), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, said, “In the last four and a half years, India’s automobile exports have grown nearly 20% annually, three to four times higher than the rest of the world. My vision is to see 50% of our production going into exports. The auto industry’s importance is not just in numbers but in its economic contribution, advanced manufacturing, and the strongest MSME ecosystem. As India moves towards becoming the third largest economy and realises Vision 2047, sustainable mobility will play a central role. Clean air and safer roads will improve quality of life, energy-independent mobility will strengthen national security, and exports will drive prosperity. Technology leadership in EVs and hydrogen can make India not a follower but a global leader in mobility solutions.”
Shenu Agarwal, Vice President, SIAM and Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland Ltd., emphasised the commercial vehicle segment’s role, stating, “The commercial vehicle sector, despite a 1.2% de-growth in 2024-25, is pivotal for sustainable mobility. By advancing CNG, LNG for long-haul trucks, and deep localisation of electric mobility, we can drive India’s sustainability agenda forward.”
Unsoo Kim, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said, “Bharat stands at a definitive moment toward sustainability in the automotive industry with progressive, environmentally responsible policies, fostering inclusive mobility. GST reforms will boost domestic manufacturing, benefiting rural markets. AI will redefine mobility, guided by a global vision for customer and logistics needs. Under Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, India is becoming a global leader in sustainable mobility through holistic electrification, conducive regulatory frameworks, renewable energy, and ESG focus. Hyundai, with SIAM and the Government, is confident in Bharat leading a sustainable, inclusive transformation.”
K N Radhakrishnan, Chairman, SIAM Two- Wheeler CEOs Council and Director & CEO, TVS Motor Company, said, “India is changing fast, and there is strong investment in R&D, with two-wheeler and three-wheeler companies playing an important role. Thanks to the policies on circular economy, we already have examples of what India has been able to achieve. We have a high-quality supply chain in India, but we must also focus on developing local talent. The customer should remain at the centre of all decision-making.”
Amit V Gupta, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company also attended the session.