Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on India’s automobile industry to lead the way in promoting greener, cleaner mobility as the country strives toward sustainable growth. In a written address to the 64th Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Modi emphasised that the automotive sector will be pivotal in driving both economic expansion and sustainable practices.
Industry to Drive Economic Growth with a Focus on Sustainability
During the event, themed “Sustainable Mobility Journey towards Viksit Bharat,” Modi highlighted the importance of rapid yet sustainable progress. He urged the automotive sector to adopt environmentally friendly practices that would contribute to India’s long-term goals, such as achieving a carbon-neutral status by 2070.
In his message, Modi said, “The road ahead demands that our progress is rapid while also being sustainable. Working on greener and cleaner mobility is a vital step in this direction.”
Government’s Vision for a $5 Trillion Economy and Global Leadership in Automobiles
Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, who was the chief guest, reiterated the government’s vision of transforming India into a $5 trillion economy. He stressed that the automotive sector will play a key role in positioning India as the third-largest global economy and the world’s leading auto manufacturer. Gadkari noted, “Innovation and sustainable practices in the auto sector are crucial as we target carbon neutrality by 2070.”
Electric Mobility and Government Initiatives for Sustainability
Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, H D Kumaraswamy, spoke about the government’s efforts to promote electric mobility through initiatives like Make in India. He emphasised the importance of aligning industrial growth with sustainability goals, stating, “Our policies are geared towards fuelling this transition, creating a conducive environment for the growth of sustainable transportation.”
SIAM’s Role in Leading the Transition to Sustainable Mobility
Vinod Aggarwal, President of SIAM and CEO of Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles Ltd., highlighted the automotive industry’s commitment to sustainable mobility. He noted that the sector, which contributes 6.8% to India’s GDP, has seen remarkable growth, particularly in electric vehicle (EV) adoption. “With initiatives like the FAME program, which led to a 90% growth in EV passenger vehicles, and the shift towards Ethanol and Gaseous fuels, the industry is steering towards cleaner, greener mobility,” Aggarwal said.
Shailesh Chandra, Vice President of SIAM and Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., stressed the importance of collective efforts between the government and industry to accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation. He said, “We are fully aligned with the government’s vision of achieving net carbon-zero in the future, and we are committed to delivering safe, sustainable, and affordable transport solutions.”
