Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the need for the government and industry to work together to achieve true self-reliance across the entire automobile manufacturing value chain at the 65th annual SIAM convention in New Delhi.

“I am confident that the discussions amongst industry experts and key stakeholders at this convention will build new pathways for the nation’s growth,” the prime minister said in a televised message to the congregation.

PM Modi also highlighted that India is making rapid strides towards building a future-ready transportation ecosystem, powered by strong policy frameworks and visionary reforms. “This integration of modern technology with world-class infrastructure forms the backbone of India’s ambitious growth story in mobility,” he added.

A key driver of the economy, the automobile industry has significantly elevated mobility and the quality of life, the PM averred. “It has been a torchbearer of the Make in India initiative, boosting global confidence in Indian manufacturing and positioning India as a hub of automotive excellence,” he said.

Concurrently, the sector is also embracing sustainability, focusing on green tech, EVs and sustainable alternatives, PM Modi added. “These advancements strengthen India’s clean mobility goals, while creating opportunities in design, production and deployment. The growth of startups, especially in energy storage, is encouraging.”

He also highlighted that this year’s convention will also put a spotlight on startups in energy storage and strategies for scaling sustainable mobility. “As the nation advances toward global leadership in green and smart transportation, opportunities for investment and collaboration are immense.”

PM Modi also praised SIAM for organising a forum which facilitates a “vibrant dialogue among policymakers, manufacturers and researchers on key challenges before the automobile sector, such as emissions, safety and infrastructure and aligned industrial strategies with national goals.”

He concluded his address by expressing confidence that the discussions amongst industry experts and key stakeholders at this convention will build new pathways for the nation’s growth.