The North News
Hansalpur(Gujarat), August 26
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated a series of green mobility initiatives in Hansalpur, Gujarat, hailing the event as a “new chapter” in India’s journey towards self-reliance in clean energy.
The launch coincided with Ganeshotsav celebrations and saw the rollout of India’s first large-scale exports of electric vehicles (EVs), which will now reach 100 countries. Modi also announced the start of hybrid battery electrode manufacturing in India, describing it as a “significant leap” towards the goal of Make in India, Make for the World.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan will partner in this transition, with three Japanese companies set to manufacture battery cells in India for the first time. Battery electrodes will also be produced domestically, reducing reliance on imports and boosting the hybrid vehicle sector.
“India possesses the strength of democracy, the advantage of demography, and a skilled workforce. This creates a win-win situation for every partner,” Modi said, noting that cars built in India are even being exported to Japan.
He recalled that in 2012, as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, land was allocated to Maruti Suzuki in Hansalpur as part of a vision for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He paid tribute to the late Osamu Suzuki, describing him as an architect of India’s automobile growth.
Modi underlined the government’s broader reforms to encourage manufacturing, citing the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, industrial corridors and logistics parks, and major improvements in ease of doing business. He said these measures had led to a five-fold increase in electronics production over the past decade, a 2,700% surge in mobile manufacturing, and a 200% jump in defence output.
He further announced the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission, which will conduct more than 1,200 exploratory campaigns across India to identify rare earths and other critical minerals needed for advanced manufacturing.
The Prime Minister also showcased a prototype hybrid ambulance developed by Maruti Suzuki, which he said would support the government’s ₹11,000 crore PM E-DRIVE scheme for e-ambulances. He stressed that EVs are no longer an alternative, but a necessity to tackle pollution, supply chain risks, and future mobility needs.
“Clean energy and clean mobility represent the future of India. Through such initiatives, India is fast emerging as a reliable hub for global green technology,” Modi said, urging states to compete in attracting investment with pro-reform policies.
