The session featured industry keynotes from Shailesh Chandra, President, SIAM and Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles & Tata Passenger Electric Mobility; R Mukundan, President, CII and Managing Director & CEO, Tata Chemicals; and Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, who spoke to the opportunities and disruptions shaping the automotive value chain.
The industry’s next phase of growth, ACMA said, will be powered by Industry 5.0. It brings together AI, automation, robotics, IoT and human expertise to build more collaborative, agile, resilient and sustainable manufacturing ecosystems. Upskilling in AI, robotics, automation and digital manufacturing was flagged as essential to sustaining India’s position as a global manufacturing hub, alongside energy-efficient operations, circular manufacturing and responsible production, which are fast becoming prerequisites rather than options for globally competitive, future-ready automotive businesses. ACMA also reiterated the need for deeper collaboration between industry, government and technology partners to accelerate innovation, technology adoption and skill development across the sector.
Piyush Goyal, Minister for Commerce & Industry, Government of India, closed proceedings as Chief Guest, reaffirming India’s growing role as a trusted global partner, with a vote of thanks by Sriram Viji bringing the session to a close.
“ACMA and its members have been a pillar of support in all international FTAs and agreements done by the country. In this global turmoil, India is the one country that has stayed the course and has continued to be the fastest-growing among the large economies of the world. The 7.8% growth of India is a reality, and we know the strengths that young India brings to the table. All of these are signs that India can do much more. The story has just begun,” said Goyal.
In his welcome address, Vikrampati Singhania, President, ACMA and Managing Director, JK Fenner, set the tone for the day, reflecting on the industry’s journey and the case for building resilience that goes beyond mere survival.
“Over the past several years, resilience has defined our industry. We have navigated a pandemic, supply-chain disruptions, geopolitical conflicts, commodity volatility and profound changes in markets and mobility. Each time, the Indian automotive industry has adapted and emerged stronger. But resilience is about responding to change. Leadership is about shaping it. And I believe that is where India must now set its sights,” noted Singhania
The Annual Session witnessed participation of delegates, including senior government functionaries, OEMs, component manufacturers, global suppliers, diplomats, and key stakeholders - underscoring ACMA’s role as the voice of India’s auto component industry and its growing relevance in international dialogues.
The day concluded with a Valedictory Session on “FTAs – Exploring Newer Avenues for the Indian Auto Component Industry,” which opened with a welcome by Vikrampati Singhania. Guests of Honour, Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, Government of UK, and Sergio Gor, Ambassador of the United States of America to India, shared perspectives on the opportunities opening up for Indian manufacturers as new trade agreements take shape.
“The United States and India are natural partners, and the automotive sector is a great example of what we can achieve together. Greater market access, more two-way investment, and deeper ties between American and Indian suppliers- especially small and medium businesses which will create real jobs, stronger supply chains, and new opportunities in advanced manufacturing and mobility. That is a win-win for both our countries,” said Gor.