India's automobile sector is well placed to further expand its global presence as recent free trade agreements have provided greater access to international markets, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“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,” Modi said in a message at the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers' (SIAM) Annual Session 2026.
Modi also called on the automobile industry to innovate and play a greater role in India's journey towards becoming a developed nation.
“I urge the Indian automobile industry to continue innovating, pursuing excellence and proactively charting a bold pathway towards Viksit Bharat,” he said.
The Prime Minister said India was making significant progress towards building a cleaner and more sustainable mobility ecosystem, with the expansion of charging infrastructure supporting greater adoption of electric vehicles.
“The rapid expansion of charging infrastructure is encouraging greater adoption of electric vehicles and creating new opportunities for innovation,” Modi said.
He said government reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business had provided fresh impetus to the industry. These included the removal of redundant laws and unnecessary compliances, while initiatives such as the production-linked incentive scheme and Make in India had strengthened the manufacturing capabilities of the automobile industry.
Modi said India's mobility sector was undergoing “a fundamental transformation driven by energy efficiency, energy diversification, technology and advanced manufacturing.”
He also linked the growth of the automobile sector to India's broader economic expansion and infrastructure development, saying improved connectivity and more efficient logistics were reducing costs and making Indian manufacturing more competitive.
“This journey will bring transformative opportunities and significant growth for the mobility sector while further strengthening transport as a key pillar of national development,” he said.
Modi said he hoped the SIAM convention would inspire new ideas and partnerships and “accelerate our journey towards a faster, greener and self-reliant future.”
He added that the industry's collective vision and collaborative spirit would help shape the future of India's mobility ecosystem.