The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) hosted a series of discussions focused on electrification, sustainable circularity, road safety, global trade policies, and eco-energy solutions at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Each session brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to deliberate on challenges and opportunities shaping India's automotive future.
The 4th Global Electrification Mobility Summit (GEMS): India’s EV Leap
Theme: 'Electrification: Powering India’s EV Leap, Reaching the Tipping Point'
Key Focus Areas:
- EV policy framework
- Charging infrastructure and battery technology
- Export potential for Indian electric vehicles
This session saw the participation of H D Kumaraswamy, Minister of Heavy Industries, and Dr Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, among other policymakers and industry leaders. Discussions revolved around the impact of government incentives like FAME and PLI schemes, which have channelled $15 billion into EV development, resulting in 5.5 million electric vehicles on Indian roads.
Key Highlights:
- EV Infrastructure: Experts stressed the need for localisation of EV components to reduce costs and increase quality.
- AI & Software in EVs: Francois Roudier from OICA noted that Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs) would be the backbone of future EVs.
- Challenges in Battery Production: There was consensus on the need for better battery-swapping models and alternative battery chemistries to enhance efficiency.
Outcome: The summit reinforced India's commitment to net-zero by 2070, focusing on expanding the EV ecosystem, R&D investment, and international collaborations.
The 11th Auto Trade Dialogue: Global Collaboration in a Shifting Trade Landscape
Theme: 'Changing Paradigm of Global Trade Practices in the Auto Sector'
Key Focus Areas:
- Trade agreements and localisation policies
- EV trade opportunities between India, Brazil, Germany, and the UK
- Impact of tariff reductions on global auto trade
With participation from global trade bodies such as ACEA, SMMT, VDA, and government representatives from Brazil, Germany, and Nepal, this dialogue provided critical insights into India's automotive trade policies.
Key Highlights:
- EV Trade Growth: The UK recorded a 50% increase in EV sales in 2024, highlighting global trade potential.
- Localisation Strategies: Nepal’s EV penetration reached 70%, with efforts to repurpose batteries for the energy grid.
- Future Resilience: Experts from Japan, Germany, and India discussed the need for integrated supply chains to withstand geopolitical challenges.
Outcome: The dialogue underscored the importance of bilateral trade agreements, cross-country collaboration, and investment-friendly policies.
The 3rd International Conference on Sustainable Circularity (ICSC): Rethinking Waste in the Auto Sector
Theme: 'Nature Positive Recycling – Systemic Transformation to Automotive Circular Economy in India'
Key Focus Areas:
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs)
- Recycling infrastructure and material sustainability
- Policy framework for green manufacturing
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav launched SIAM’s Strategy Paper on Circularity, advocating for EPR-led waste management.
Key Highlights:
- Vehicle Scrappage Policy (2021): Recognised as a key step in reducing emissions and repurposing ELV materials.
- Policy Interventions: Discussions on India's ELV Rules (effective April 2025) and incentives for responsible scrappage.
- Innovations in Circularity: Japan, Australia, and India shared best practices in vehicle recycling, emphasising zero-waste strategies.
Outcome: The conference called for a unified global approach towards sustainable automotive production and recycling frameworks.
The 1st SAFAR Summit: Advancing Road Safety Measures
Theme: 'United Efforts for Road Safety: Safer Roads, Our Responsibility'
Key Focus Areas:
- Technology-driven safety interventions
- Bharat NCAP and its role in safer vehicle design
- Behavioural change strategies for Indian drivers
With India witnessing 1.5 lakh road fatalities annually, this summit focused on implementing engineering, enforcement, and education strategies.
Key Highlights:
- Bharat NCAP Implementation: Vehicle safety ratings to improve public safety awareness.
- Road Safety Engineering: Emphasis on data analytics and AI-powered traffic management systems.
- Emergency Response Measures: Improved ambulance accessibility and trauma care infrastructure.
Outcome: The summit called for collaboration between OEMs, policymakers, and urban planners to reduce fatalities by 50% by 2030.
The 3rd International Symposium for Thriving Eco-Energy in Mobility (ISTEM): Biofuels and Hydrogen Economy
Theme: 'Decarbonisation Roadmap: Towards a Carbon-Neutral Future'
Key Focus Areas:
- Ethanol blending policies and implementation
- Hydrogen fuel technology and flex-fuel vehicle adoption
- Scaling biofuels and compressed natural gas (CNG) adoption
India’s ethanol blending reached 15%, with a target of 20% by 2025, a five-year acceleration of the original timeline.
Key Highlights:
- Hydrogen Mobility: Investment in green hydrogen infrastructure and fuel cell technologies.
- Biofuels Expansion: Brazil and India collaboration to scale ethanol-based energy solutions.
- CNG Infrastructure: Policies for expanding CNG stations to support cleaner fuel adoption.
Outcome: India reinforced its commitment to reducing fossil fuel dependency and developing next-generation biofuels.
A Step Towards An Integrated Future
The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 witnessed SIAM’s multi-pronged approach towards electrification, trade policy, safety, and sustainability. While progress is evident in EV adoption, localisation strategies, and safety regulations, challenges remain in charging infrastructure, global trade alignment, and material recycling frameworks.
By integrating trade policies, eco-friendly energy solutions, and safety measures, India is well on its way to becoming a global leader in future mobility solutions. However, consistent regulatory support and cross-industry collaboration will be essential in achieving these goals.
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Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025: India’s Leaning Towards Greener & Smarter Mobility