SIAT 2026: Kumaraswamy Emphasizes EV Push to Combat Pollution Crisis
Union Minister for Heavy Industries H. D. Kumaraswamy delivered a significant address at the 19th edition of the Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT 2026), held at the Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Moshi. In his speech, the minister underscored the central government's proactive efforts to promote electric vehicles as a strategic measure to tackle India's escalating pollution crisis.
Celebrating ARAI's Diamond Jubilee and Global Collaboration
The flagship biennial event, organized by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), coincides with the organization's Diamond Jubilee Year, marking six decades of substantial contributions to India's automotive ecosystem. Kumaraswamy, serving as the Chief Guest, commended ARAI for its enduring role in shaping the industry. The symposium, themed "Innovative Pathways for Safe and Sustainable Mobility," brought together a diverse assembly of global leaders, technocrats, researchers, policymakers, and innovators to discuss future mobility solutions.
On this occasion, the minister launched several key publications, including the Global Automotive Safety Regulations Book, SIAT 2026 Proceedings, and Technical Reference Papers published by ARAI, highlighting the event's academic and regulatory significance.
Government Initiatives and Economic Vision
Kumaraswamy highlighted India's rapid economic progress, positioning the nation on track to become the world's third-largest economy. He detailed the government's commitment to sustainable and technology-driven mobility through various schemes:
- Capital Goods Scheme
- FAME scheme (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles)
- PM e-Drive Scheme
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes
The minister acknowledged the automotive sector's pivotal role in driving manufacturing growth, boosting exports, fostering advanced research and development, and catalyzing the rise of software-led mobility solutions. He expressed confidence that the symposium, with over 250 technical presentations, would facilitate an exciting exchange of information, generating new knowledge and ideas to support India's long-term goals of becoming a developed country by 2047 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Addressing Pollution and Infrastructure Development
Pointing out that public transport vehicles account for 40 percent of pollution in India, Kumaraswamy reiterated the Centre's focus on promoting electric vehicles to address this critical issue. He announced plans to significantly increase the number of charging stations across the country in the coming period, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure to support the EV transition.
Global Prospects and Industry Insights
Expressing optimism about India's global prospects, Kumaraswamy noted that agreements reached with the European Union under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership would positively impact both Indian and European markets. He projected that the Indian automotive industry is poised not only for domestic expansion but also for a stronger international presence in the coming years.
Adding to the discourse, Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, spoke about the global transformation driven by emerging technologies. He highlighted India's growing stature in the automotive world, noting that the country is now:
- The world's largest producer of three-wheelers
- Among the top two producers of two-wheelers
- Ranked in the top four for passenger vehicles
- Ranked in the top five for commercial vehicles
Chandra also mentioned record vehicle exports recorded in 2025, underscoring the sector's robust performance.
Inauguration of Advanced Facilities
During the event, Kumaraswamy inaugurated several state-of-the-art mobility testing and research facilities at Takwe in Pune, including:
- An Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Smart City Test Track
- A Cylinder Testing Facility
- A High Energy Impact Test Facility
These facilities are expected to enhance India's capabilities in automotive safety and innovation.
Industry Appreciation and Shared Responsibility
Prasan Firodia, Managing Director of Force Motors and Vice President of the ARAI Governing Council, welcomed the minister and participants, commending the government's role through various schemes for the automotive sector and appreciating ARAI's contribution to industry growth.
Dr. Reji Mathai, Director of ARAI and Chairman of the Advisory Committee for SIAT 2026, emphasized that the symposium reaffirmed the shared responsibility of global stakeholders in advancing safety, sustainability, and next-generation mobility technologies, setting a collaborative path forward for the automotive industry.
