PM Modi pushes India’s auto industry to go global, leverage FTAs and manufacturing reforms for next growth phase

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday exhorted India's automobile industry to continue innovating, pursue excellence, and proactively chart a bold pathway towards the Viksit Bharat vision by 2047.

In a message to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) read out at its 66th Annual Convention 2026 on Thursday, Modi stated that with recent free trade agreements providing greater access to international markets, the Indian automobile sector, already recognised across many parts of the world, is well placed to further expand its global presence.

"I urge the Indian automobile industry to continue innovating, pursuing excellence, and proactively charting a bold pathway towards Viksit Bharat," the PM said in his message read out by SIAM President Shailesh Chandra.

This journey will bring transformative opportunities and significant growth for the mobility sector, while further strengthening transport as a key pillar of national development, the Prime Minister added.

"India has been one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world over the last decade. As our economy grows, the demand for mobility is also rising," the Prime Minister observed.

Infrastructure, trade access to drive next phase

The Prime Minister said the rapid expansion of highways and other infrastructure was facilitating the movement of people and goods while creating new opportunities for the automobile industry.

"Better connectivity and more efficient logistics are reducing costs and making Indian manufacturing more competitive. This is strengthening the automobile sector and contributing to India's economic growth," Modi said.

He also highlighted the role of India's expanding trade engagement in opening new opportunities for the automotive sector. With recent FTAs providing greater access to international markets, he said, the industry is well placed to build on its existing global recognition and expand its international presence.

The Prime Minister's message comes at a time when India is seeking to deepen its integration with global manufacturing and supply chains, with the automobile industry emerging as a key beneficiary of improved infrastructure, manufacturing reforms and wider market access.

Cleaner mobility, manufacturing reforms

Modi pointed out that India is also taking significant strides towards a cleaner and more sustainable mobility ecosystem.

"The rapid expansion of charging infrastructure is encouraging greater adoption of electric vehicles and creating new opportunities for innovation," the prime minister said.

As India moves towards the next generation of mobility, SIAM can play an important role in shaping this transformation and taking India's automotive capabilities to greater heights, the prime minister's message said.

He also credited recent government reforms with providing fresh impetus to the sector, particularly measures aimed at improving the ease of doing business and strengthening domestic manufacturing.

"In recent years, the government's reforms to boost ease of doing business, including the removal of redundant laws and removal of unnecessary compliances have provided fresh impetus to the industry. Initiatives such as the PLI (production-linked incentive) scheme and Make in India have further strengthened the manufacturing capabilities of the automobile industry," said the prime minister.

The Prime Minister's call effectively puts the focus on the next stage of India's automotive growth — moving beyond a large domestic market to building globally competitive manufacturing capabilities, leveraging new trade access and accelerating innovation while supporting the country's transition towards cleaner mobility.