North News
New Delhi, January 17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday highlighted India’s surging automobile sector, noting annual car sales of approximately 2.5 crore, surpassing the population of many countries. Speaking at the inauguration of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, he said the sector reflects India’s rising aspirations and global expectations for mobility.
Modi emphasized the 12% growth in the auto industry over the past year, fueled by the “Make in India, Make for the World” initiative, and commended growing exports. “India is currently the world’s third-largest passenger vehicle market and the fifth-largest economy,” he stated, predicting transformative expansion as India ascends to the top three global economies.
The Prime Minister attributed the sector’s growth to factors such as a large youth population, a burgeoning middle class, modern infrastructure, and affordable vehicles. He praised infrastructure initiatives like the ₹11 lakh crore allocation in last year’s budget, multi-lane highways, expressways, and the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for reducing logistics costs and boosting connectivity.
Reflecting on stalwarts like Ratan Tata and Osamu Suzuki, Modi acknowledged their significant contributions to India’s auto industry and its impact on middle-class aspirations.
With over 800 exhibitors and new vehicle launches across multiple venues in the National Capital Region, Modi said the expo showcases India’s “fantastic and future-ready” automotive industry. He also lauded advancements like FASTag and the National Common Mobility Card for simplifying travel, as well as progress in smart mobility and autonomous driving.
The Prime Minister highlighted the PLI scheme’s role in driving the sector, generating ₹2.25 lakh crore in sales and creating over 1.5 lakh jobs. He noted the auto sector’s multiplier effect on MSMEs, logistics, tourism, and transport industries. “This unprecedented transformation underscores the energy of our youth and aspirations of the people,” he said, expressing confidence in the sector’s continued success.
