NITI Aayog Highlights Energy Security as Central to India's EV Transition at Global Summit

India’s electric mobility transition is increasingly being shaped by concerns around energy security alongside decarbonisation and industrial development, according to NITI Aayog.

Speaking at the Transportation Decarbonization Summit (TDS) 2026 in Berlin, Archana Mittal, Program Director, Electric Mobility and Infrastructure Connectivity at NITI Aayog, outlined the government’s approach to vehicle electrification, which combines policy support, manufacturing incentives and infrastructure development.

Mittal said India views transport electrification as both an environmental and economic strategy. “India views electrification of transport not only as a pathway to cleaner transportation, but also as an opportunity to strengthen energy security and build long-term economic resilience,” she said.

According to Mittal, India’s EV policy framework has evolved through initiatives such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) programme launched in 2015 and subsequent schemes including PM E-DRIVE and PM eBus Sewa. These initiatives have expanded support across vehicle segments while encouraging domestic manufacturing, charging infrastructure development and innovation ecosystems.

She also highlighted Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes aimed at boosting local manufacturing of automotive components and batteries, reducing import dependence and supporting employment generation. In addition, India is working to strengthen battery and critical mineral supply chains through strategic partnerships and investments.

Mittal noted that the government continues to address barriers to wider EV adoption, particularly charging infrastructure. She cited the recent approval of ₹127 crore for the installation of public charging infrastructure in Delhi, which is expected to expand the city’s charging network to nearly 32,000 charging points by 2028.

The summit, organised by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), focused on the economics of electrification and the role of governments in supporting the shift to zero-emission transport while strengthening manufacturing competitiveness and energy security.