The Heavy Industries Minister launched the automotive symposium in Pune, unveiling new test facilities and safety publications while emphasizing India's push toward sustainable mobility and electric vehicle infrastructure development.
27 Jan 2026 | 188 Views | By Sarthak Mahajan
The 19th Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT 2026) opened today at the Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre, marking a significant milestone as The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries H. D. Kumaraswamy inaugurated the biennial event, themed "Innovative ...
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The 19th Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT 2026) opened today at the Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre, marking a significant milestone as The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries H. D. Kumaraswamy inaugurated the biennial event, themed "Innovative Pathways for Safe and Sustainable Mobility," which has convened global automotive leaders, researchers, and policymakers.
During the ceremony, Kumaraswamy launched the Global Automotive Safety Regulations Book, SIAT 2026 Proceedings, and Technical Reference Papers published by ARAI. He commended the organization's six-decade contribution to India's automotive ecosystem while highlighting the country's economic trajectory toward becoming the world's third-largest economy.
The minister outlined government initiatives supporting technology-driven mobility, including the Capital Goods Scheme, FAME scheme, PM e-Drive Scheme, and PLI schemes. He noted that public transport vehicles contribute 40 percent of India's pollution and emphasized the central government's commitment to expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure nationwide.
"Looking at the scale of this conference, depth of technical content to be presented and impressive expertise gathered here, I believe this event will result in an exciting exchange of information generating new knowledge and ideas showing pathways for India's 2047 and 2070 resolves," Kumaraswamy stated, referring to national goals for developed nation status and net-zero emissions.
The minister expressed confidence that recent agreements with the European Union would benefit both Indian and European markets, predicting the Indian automotive industry's growing international presence.
Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, highlighted India's global automotive standing. The country now leads in three-wheeler production, ranks among the top two in two-wheelers, top four in passenger vehicles, and top five in commercial vehicles, with record exports achieved in 2025.
The inauguration included the launch of three advanced facilities at ARAI's Takwe campus in Pune: an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Smart City Test Track, a Cylinder Testing Facility, and a High Energy Impact Test Facility.
Prasan Firodia, Managing Director of Force Motors and Vice President of ARAI's Governing Council, acknowledged government support for the automotive sector and ARAI's developmental role.
Dr. Reji Mathai, ARAI Director and Chairman of SIAT 2026's Advisory Committee, noted the symposium features over 250 presentations addressing safety, sustainability, and next-generation mobility technologies. The accompanying SIAT Expo 2026 showcases 275 exhibitors from 10 countries, with dedicated pavilions for startups, MSEs, ADAS, and software-defined mobility.
A Students' Poster Presentation Competition will enable undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students to present innovations and engage with industry leaders.
Dr. N. H. Walke, Senior Deputy Director at ARAI and SIAT 2026 Convener, delivered the vote of thanks. The event was anchored by Juhi Malhotra.
With substantial international participation and the unveiling of advanced testing infrastructure, SIAT 2026 reinforces ARAI's mission to advance safer, cleaner, and smarter mobility solutions for India and the global automotive community.