Key Advice from PM Modi to the Auto Sector

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged India’s automobile industry to pursue continuous innovation and develop world-class products as the country moves towards the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. In his message to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) Annual Convention 2026, Modi said recent free trade agreements would create new opportunities for Indian automakers to expand their presence in global markets. He noted that rising economic growth, increasing vehicle demand and the rapid expansion of highways and other infrastructure would further strengthen the growth prospects of the automobile sector.

With electric vehicle adoption gaining momentum, the Prime Minister called for greater focus on next-generation mobility solutions. He said the expansion of charging infrastructure, reforms and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes had strengthened India’s manufacturing capabilities. Government officials also indicated that the automobile industry should prepare for tighter regulations on petrol and diesel vehicles in the coming years. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that Bharat NCAP 2.0, aimed at strengthening vehicle safety assessments, is expected to be implemented from October 2027. Maruti Suzuki MD and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi stressed that vehicle safety and environmental standards must be balanced with affordability for Indian consumers.