SIAM Annual Convention Sets Global Growth Priorities

India Targets Greater Global Automotive Presence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the India SIAM Annual Convention in New Delhi that India’s automobile industry is well positioned to expand its global presence as the mobility ecosystem transforms. In a message to the 66th Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on September 3, he emphasized innovation, the pursuit of excellence and alignment with the goals of Viksit Bharat. His remarks placed the automotive sector within India’s broader development agenda while highlighting the need for the industry to respond to changes across the mobility ecosystem and strengthen its position in international markets.

Gadkari Highlights Industry Competitiveness and Infrastructure

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said India has the potential to become the world’s largest automobile industry, pointing to quality, innovation, research and competitive pricing as key strengths. He also called for the expansion of driver training centers, vehicle fitness centers and vehicle scrapping centers. The focus on these facilities links industry growth with road-user skills, vehicle fitness and fleet renewal. His comments also underscored the importance of strengthening supporting infrastructure and services as India seeks to improve the competitiveness and scale of its automotive ecosystem.

Government Emphasizes Cleaner and More Inclusive Mobility

Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy said in a video message that the automotive sector will continue to develop as a cleaner, more inclusive and globally competitive industry. He connected this trajectory with the contribution of the auto sector to Viksit Bharat 2047. The message reinforced the emphasis on cleaner mobility while maintaining the sector’s broader economic and competitive role. Together with the other government messages, it positioned innovation, competitiveness and sustainability as connected priorities for the industry as it works toward a larger role in global mobility markets.

SIAM Announces Leadership Team for 2026–27

SIAM also announced its leadership for 2026–27, electing Shenu Agarwal of Ashok Leyland as President, succeeding Shailesh Chandra of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles. K N Radhakrishnan of TVS Motor Company was elected Vice President, while Santosh Iyer of Mercedes-Benz India became Treasurer. The leadership changes provide the industry association with a new executive team as the sector addresses the priorities discussed at the convention. The appointments bring representation from major commercial vehicle, passenger vehicle, two-wheeler and premium automotive businesses into SIAM’s leadership structure for the new term.

Plenary Sessions Address AI, Sustainability and Resilience

Special plenary sessions examined sustainable mobility, artificial intelligence across the automotive value chain and the development of a resilient automotive ecosystem. The sessions broadened the convention’s focus beyond vehicle manufacturing to technologies and capabilities that can influence multiple parts of the industry. By placing AI, sustainability and resilience alongside competitiveness, the discussions reflected the range of changes facing automakers and their wider supply and service networks. These themes also align with the convention’s broader emphasis on innovation and preparing India’s automotive industry for evolving mobility requirements.

Export Growth and Trade Agreements Gain Focus

The valedictory session was addressed by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who called for higher export targets and stronger use of trade agreements to build global partnerships. He also highlighted the “4Ms” — molecule, module, megawatts and markets — as a framework for strengthening international engagement. The emphasis on exports and trade agreements points to a broader ambition for Indian automotive businesses to expand beyond domestic demand. It also connects market access with capabilities across products, energy and industrial value chains, supporting the sector’s objective of increasing its global presence.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The convention’s combined focus on innovation, cleaner mobility, industry infrastructure, AI, resilience and exports suggests that India’s automotive competitiveness will increasingly depend on capabilities beyond vehicle production alone. Automakers and suppliers may face greater pressure to improve technology, quality, workforce readiness and supporting infrastructure while pursuing international markets. The new SIAM leadership will therefore operate against a policy and industry agenda that links domestic ecosystem development with global expansion. Higher export ambitions and trade-agreement opportunities could make international market access more important for companies seeking growth, while the emphasis on sustainability and AI may shape investment priorities across the value chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main priorities highlighted at the SIAM Annual Convention?
The SIAM Annual Convention outlined how India’s automotive industry can combine innovation, cleaner mobility, stronger infrastructure and export growth to expand globally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized innovation and alignment with Viksit Bharat, while Nitin Gadkari highlighted quality, research, competitive pricing and supporting centers. Other sessions addressed sustainable mobility, AI and ecosystem resilience. Piyush Goyal urged higher export targets and stronger use of trade agreements, while SIAM elected new leadership for 2026–27. The discussions therefore connected domestic industry development with India’s ambition to become a larger and more competitive participant in global automotive markets.