The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered his remarks during the India Steel 2025 programme at Mumbai, via video message today. Addressing the gathering, he said that over the next two days, discussions will focus on the potential and opportunities of India's sunrise sector—the steel industry. He remarked that this sector forms the foundation of India's progress, strengthens the base of a developed India, and is scripting a new chapter of transformation in the country. The Prime Minister welcomed everyone to India Steel 2025 and expressed confidence that the event will serve as a launchpad for sharing new ideas, forging new partnerships, and promoting innovation. He emphasized that this event will lay the groundwork for a new chapter in the steel sector.

“Steel has played a pivotal role in modern economies, akin to a skeleton”, emphasised Shri Modi, remarking that whether it is skyscrapers, shipping, highways, high-speed rail, smart cities, or industrial corridors, steel is the strength behind every success story. “India is striving to achieve the goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy, with the steel sector playing a significant role in this mission”, he added, expressing pride in India being the world's second-largest steel producer. He noted that under the National Steel Policy, India has set a target of producing 300 million tons of steel by 2030. He remarked that the current per capita steel consumption in India is approximately 98 kilograms and is expected to rise to 160 kilograms by 2030. Shri Modi emphasized that this increasing steel consumption serves as a golden standard for the country's infrastructure and economy, adding that it is also a benchmark for the nation's direction, as well as the government's efficiency and effectiveness.

Underlining that the steel industry is brimming with renewed confidence about its future due to the foundation of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the Prime Minister remarked that this initiative integrates various utility services and logistics modes. He emphasized that mine areas and steel units are being mapped for improved multi-modal connectivity. He noted that new projects are being introduced to upgrade critical infrastructure in eastern India, where most of the steel sector is concentrated. He further highlighted that the $1.3 trillion National Infrastructure Pipeline is being advanced. He remarked that large-scale efforts to transform cities into smart cities, along with unprecedented pace in the development of roads, railways, airports, ports, and pipelines, are creating fresh opportunities for the steel sector. The Prime Minister pointed out that crores of houses are being constructed under the PM Awas Yojana, and significant infrastructure is being built in villages through the Jal Jeevan Mission. He remarked that welfare initiatives like these are also providing new strength to the steel industry. He highlighted the government’s decision to use only ‘Made in India’ steel in government projects and noted that government-driven initiatives account for the highest consumption of steel in building construction and infrastructure.

Underscoring that steel is a primary component driving the growth of multiple sectors, Shri Modi remarked that government policies for the steel industry are playing a crucial role in making many other industries in India globally competitive. He highlighted that sectors such as manufacturing, construction, machinery, and automotive are gaining strength from the Indian steel industry. He mentioned that the government has introduced the National Manufacturing Mission in this year’s Budget to accelerate the 'Make in India' initiative. The mission caters to small, medium, and large industries and will open new opportunities for the steel sector, he added.

Noting that India was long dependent on imports for high-grade steel, which was critical for defense and strategic sectors, the Prime Minister expressed pride in the fact that the steel used in India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier was produced domestically. He also noted that Indian steel contributed to the success of the historic Chandrayaan mission, symbolizing India’s capability and confidence. The Prime Minister remarked that this transformation was made possible through initiatives such as the PLI scheme, which has allocated thousands of crores to support the production of high-grade steel. He emphasized that this is just the beginning and that there is a long road ahead. He pointed out the growing demand for high-grade steel due to mega-projects being initiated across the country. He mentioned that in this year’s Budget, shipbuilding has been classified as infrastructure, adding “India aims to manufacture modern and large ships domestically and export them to other countries”. The Prime Minister highlighted the rising demand for pipeline-grade steel and corrosion-resistant alloys in India. He remarked that the country’s rail infrastructure is expanding at an unprecedented pace. He stressed the need for a goal of “zero imports” and a focus on net exports. “India is currently working towards a target of exporting 25 million tons of steel and aims to increase production capacity to 500 million tons by 2047”, he noted emphasizing the importance of preparing the steel sector for new processes, grades, and scales, urging the industry to expand and upgrade with a future-ready mindset. The Prime Minister underlined the vast employment generation potential of the steel industry’s growth. He called upon both the private and public sectors to develop, nurture, and share new ideas. He emphasized collaboration in manufacturing, R&D, and technology upgrades to create more job opportunities for the country’s youth.

Shri Modi acknowledged that the steel industry faces certain challenges that need resolution for further growth, highlighting that raw material security remains a significant concern, with India still dependent on imports for nickel, coking coal, and manganese. He emphasized the need to strengthen global partnerships, secure supply chains, and focus on technology upgrades. He underlined the importance of moving swiftly towards energy-efficient, low-emission, and digitally advanced technologies. “The future of the steel industry will be shaped by AI, automation, recycling, and by-product utilization”, he remarked, stressing the need to enhance efforts in these areas through innovation. He expressed optimism that collaboration between global partners and Indian companies will help address these challenges more effectively and at a faster pace.

The Prime Minister remarked on the significant impact of coal imports, particularly coking coal, on both costs and the economy. He emphasized the importance of exploring alternatives to reduce this dependence. He highlighted the availability of technologies such as the DRI route and stressed efforts to promote them further. Pointing out that coal gasification can be effectively utilized to make better use of the country’s coal resources and decrease reliance on imports, he urged all stakeholders in the steel industry to actively participate in this endeavor and take the necessary steps to move forward in this direction.

Underlining the importance of addressing the issue of unused greenfield mines, Shri Modi noted that significant mining reforms have been introduced in the last decade, making iron ore availability easier. He stressed that it is now time to utilize the allotted mines effectively to ensure optimal use of the country’s resources. Cautioning that delays in this process would adversely impact the industry, Shri Modi urged for the acceleration of greenfield mining efforts to overcome this challenge.

The Prime Minister emphasized that India is no longer focused solely on domestic growth but is preparing for global leadership. He remarked that the world now views India as a trusted supplier of high-quality steel. He reiterated the importance of maintaining world-class standards in steel production and continually upgrading capabilities. He emphasized that improving logistics, developing multi-modal transport networks, and reducing costs will help India become a Global Steel Hub. The Prime Minister highlighted that India Steel provides a platform to expand capabilities and turn ideas into actionable solutions. He concluded by  expressing best wishes to all participants and called for collective efforts to build a resilient, revolutionary, and steel-strong India.

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MJPS/SR