The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 marked a refreshing moment for India’s automotive components sector. We had a discussion with Shradha Suri Marwah, President of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) where she shared her perspectives on the expo's success and its implications for the future. Her insights revealed a sector at a critical juncture, marking a clear direction towards electrification and software bias.
'Elevating Standards Towards Global Competitiveness”
Marwah’s reflections underscored the critical role of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in positioning India as a global automotive hub. She emphasised the deliberate shift from conventional exhibitions to a targeted, business-oriented (B2B) platform. This approach has brought international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to India seeking solutions rather than simply showcasing products.
Marwah recounted her observations at the expo; OEMs actively exploring Indian innovations and discovering solutions they had previously imported. This reversal, she said, reflects the growing self-reliance and sophistication of India’s auto component industry. A notable anecdote involved a prominent OEM executive realising the untapped potential of local manufacturers after walking the show for hours.
She highlighted two key trends: the convergence of cutting-edge technology and skilled labour as pillars for future growth. However, Marwah candidly pointed out challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which form a major chunk of ACMA’s membership. Despite their strides in exports and innovation, access to capital remains a hurdle. She called for enhanced support mechanisms, such as low-cost automation and skilling programmes, to bridge the gap.
“The standards have moved up across the board,” Marwah observed, expressing confidence in India’s readiness to compete globally. However, she stressed that sustainability should become an integral reality rather than a buzzword. Reflecting on future editions, she envisioned a greater focus on raw material localisation and deeper integration of sustainable practices.
'A Showcase Of Strength & Transition'
Further in the conversation, Vinnie Mehta, Director General, SIAM, lauded the event’s scale—spread over 70,000 square metres with participation from 1,051 exhibitors—and its global engagement, including five international pavilions from Germany, the UK, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. The presence of visitors from 31 countries further reinforced the expo's status as a truly international event.
Mehta shared the thoughtful planning behind the event, from eco-friendly cloth banners to designs inspired by Indian philosophies like Panchatattva and Mandala art. This blend of sustainability and culture, he explained, symbolises the industry’s transition from traditional manufacturing to a tech-driven, environmentally conscious future.
He also highlighted the role of technology in enhancing visitor experience, particularly the QR code-based registration and digital directories, which democratised information access. This forward-thinking approach, he noted, exemplified the industry's ability to innovate at every level.
While celebrating the achievements, Mehta acknowledged constraints, particularly the inability to accommodate additional exhibitors due to venue limitations. Yet, he remained optimistic, attributing the event’s success to a virtuous cycle where ACMA’s growth mirrored the sector's expansion.
Looking Ahead
The event’s highlights, such as MSMEs displaying futuristic products and live demonstrations of advanced manufacturing processes, showcased an industry willing to embrace change. Yet, challenges remain, particularly in financing and scaling up these advancements across the sector.
The next edition of the expo promises to build on its successes. Marwah and Mehta envision an even larger, more inclusive platform that deepens collaborations and further integrates sustainability into the industry’s DNA. Both leaders stressed the need for policy and industry alignment to sustain momentum.
From enabling MSMEs to compete globally to advancing localisation efforts, the roadmap ahead is ambitious. The Bharat Mobility Global Expo has already redefined the narrative for India’s auto components sector, making it a beacon of innovation and resilience on the global stage.
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