Press Release, 29 January 2026
India’s automotive industry took center stage at the Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT) 2026, inaugurated by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy in Pune. Hosted by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) alongside SAE International and SAEINDIA during ARAI’s Diamond Jubilee Year, the three-day event spotlighted innovations in safety, sustainability, electrification and connected mobility signaling India’s rising role in shaping global automotive technology. The event brought together industry leaders, researchers, startups, and policymakers to explore future-ready transportation systems and amplify collaboration across the mobility ecosystem.
Addressing the audience, Kumaraswamy highlighted India’s economic growth and emphasized strategic initiatives driving the automotive sector’s transformation. Under the government’s push for Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, electrification remains central to the mobility transition, with schemes like FAME-II and PM E-DRIVE accelerating EV adoption and charging infrastructure rollout nationwide. The minister also outlined significant investments through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Auto and PLI-ACC schemes to boost domestic manufacturing, including plans to establish 50 GWh of battery capacity and promote indigenous production of critical EV components.
Kumaraswamy reiterated India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and acknowledged the commercial vehicle segment’s role in reducing pollution, announcing dedicated funding for expanded charging networks. He also shared positive industry trends, with vehicle production and exports rising significantly over the past year reflecting the impact of supportive policies and stronger global competitiveness. At SIAT 2026, participants engaged with cutting-edge technologies in vehicle testing, advanced safety systems, electrification and connectivity. Kumaraswamy also inaugurated new facilities at ARAI’s Mobility Research Centre to enhance safety testing and certification capabilities. The event underscored government support for MSMEs and startups, reinforcing India’s journey toward a resilient, innovation-driven automotive ecosystem aligned with global leadership aspirations.
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